Preventing violent radicalization in Italy: the actions of a European project

What is it about?

A European Project, PROVA-Prevention of violent Radicalisation and Of Violent Actions in intergroup relations, was aimed at counteracting violent radicalization and was addressed to marginalized minors and young adults engaging in deviant behaviors. They are considered to be at high risk for violent radicalization, because of their difficulties in inclusion and their related need to build strong social identities for facing discrimination and feelings of powerlessness. In our paper we reported a qualitative study exploring perceptions about youth violent radicalization, collected among interviews with professionals and stakeholders working with minors and young adults at risk. Our findings highlighted perceptions among them about preventive interventions. The same contribution referred also to a participatory workshop with minors in detention and university students, which was aimed at fostering positive peer relationships and achieving civic engagement through the re-imagination of collective spaces. Such workshop revealed its usefulness toward reducing social conflicts, improving relational skills in both groups, and decreasing the isolation of minors in detention.

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Why is it important?

The theoretical framework was based on the psychosocial models of group processes and social identity, studies on conflict, research and interventions with deviant minors. The authors of the whole project came from an international network, sharing not only the scientific interest but also a social commitment on the issues related to inequalities, marginalization, and on active citizenship and inclusion to prevent such problems. Another subject of interest was the environment, the urban space, which has been considered as a steppingstone towards social integration.

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