PhD candidate Layla van Wieringen examined how extremist beliefs are passed on within households. In her dissertation 'Rotten Trees, Bad Apples? Understanding the Intergenerational Transmission of Extremism', she reveals a reality that media and politics rarely address.
You completed your PhD on 'the intergenerational transmission of extremism'. What does that mean?
'Put simply, my research concerns the transfer of extremist beliefs within families. It is well known that parents pass on all kinds of worldviews and ideas to their children. But we actually know very little about the extent to which this also applies to parents who hold violent beliefs. I specifically examined jihadist and far-right families. What characterises these groups is that they want to reshape society entirely according to their own ideology. They do so through undemocratic means, in which the use of violence is not avoided.'
In your research, you spoke to many people, including extremist parents. How do they view parenthood?
'Within extremist groups, particular ideas exist about what it means to be a 'good' parent. For example, fathers strongly view themselves as role models for their children, and that mothers are placed on a pedestal because they are seen as bringing forth the next generation of fighters. These are subtle elements that shape a child's upbringing and can influence how extremist ideology is passed on.
At the same time, having children can also mark a turning point. Parents suddenly carry responsibility for something greater than themselves and may realise that such an unsafe and violent environment is not desirable for a child.'
So parents do not always pass on extremist beliefs?
'That's correct. In classical literature, we call the process of passing on beliefs 'socialisation'. Extremist parents often exert strong control over the media their children consume, as well as their hobbies and friendships. Everything in a child's life must align with the ideology.
But my research shows that children are highly resilient, and do not always follow this. Moreover, the process is much broader than direct transmission alone. Small, everyday interactions matter. Strikingly, many of these parents create very warm and safe homes, where children grow up with loving, involved caregivers. This contradicts the image of indoctrination and brainwashing often portrayed in the media. The paradox that children can come from loving families yet still be raised with a hateful ideology is difficult to comprehend.'
How did this media frame arise?
'When I began my research, many parents and children were returning from Syria and Iraq after the fall of Islamic State. From a security perspective, media and politicians wrote extensively about these families: children were believed to have been brainwashed by their parents. But my research shows that we actually know very little about what happens behind closed doors. This applies to far-right families just as much. Most children growing up in extremist households do not necessarily adopt the ideology. They are not 'terrorists in the making'. The phenomenon is far more layered and complex than media and politics suggest. I hope my research contributes to a more nuanced understanding.'
Given that, how should we deal with these children?
'It is quite complicated. In the care sector, there is still significant tension around the term extremism. When it becomes known that a child has extremist parents, alarm bells ring and the child may even be removed from the home. In some cases, such interventions are necessary. But in general, I want to warn against interventions that are too forceful. These parents do not raise their children with extremist ideologies out of malice, but because they genuinely believe that the outside world is unsafe.
If the government intervenes and says 'we are taking your child away', you may reinforce the parents' worldview and risk encouraging radicalisation. In both parents and children. The child also loses their safe foundation, placing them in an even more vulnerable position. Therefore, it is crucial to form an accurate understanding of these families.'
Does this fuller understanding lead to better support?
'Yes, support organisations are increasingly aware of this. But extremism remains a charged term, especially when it involves children. I therefore advocate for a more systemic approach to what happens within these families. What does the relationship look like? What are the daily interactions? How can we support the family without driving a wedge between parent and child? And how can we intervene without increasing stigma and distrust? These are the questions that require further attention.'
Do you encounter distrust in science and institutions in your work?
'Yes, you don't reach people easily. They often feel a deep distance and inherent distrust. Yet I have seen in my research that even with the most extreme extremist, it is possible to find common ground. Sometimes in something as small as supporting the same football club. That is how trust can be built. It also means that as a researcher, you must put your own opinions and assumptions aside, so that someone truly feels free to talk openly about their beliefs-and about their children.'
