Community Value Above Individualism: A Common Cultural Element in Modern Suicide Bombers

Suicide terrorism is growing in popularity as an extremely violent tactic that many terrorist organizations are using to advance their aims. The modern use of this tactic began in December 1981, has increased in frequency to over 600 attacks per year, and has spread to over 30 countries. Fifteen identifiable campaigns account for 98 percent of all suicide attacks. The relatively sudden increase in this lethal form of terrorism has lead governments, leaders, scholars, and others to search for answers concerning the causes of this phenomenon. While most research on suicide terrorism has focused on the organizational and individual level, the importance of culture and social systems has been underestimated. Culture influences people by helping to program the mind of children prior to the age of 10. This programming includes shared values and norms of behavior. In a collectivist culture, one that promotes the interests of the group over the interests of the individual, the values of loyalty, honor, avoidance of shame, and preferring the opinions of the group can have significant influence on individuals' behavior.

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