Patriarchal ideology, which positions men as dominant leaders and limits women’s roles across various facets of life, has significant implications for many social issues, including radicalisation. In Indonesia, the case of women’s radicalisation involved in the bombing attacks in Surabaya in 2018 exemplifies how patriarchal ideology can contribute to the radicalisation and violent actions of women.
Keywords: Patriarchy, Ideology, Women, Terrorism
Patriarchal Ideology and Radicalisation
- What is Patriarchal Ideology?
Patriarchal ideology is a belief system and social structure that places men in primary positions of power, often belittling or disregarding the roles and rights of women. In this system, traditional gender norms dictate and restrict women’s roles, frequently relegating them to subordinate or powerless positions. In the realm of extremism, patriarchal ideology is often leveraged to reinforce the notion that women should submit to men’s commands and adhere to traditional societal roles. Extremist groups frequently exploit these views to recruit and manipulate women, utilising them as instruments to fulfil their ideological objectives.
- Patriarchy within Extremist Groups
Within extremist groups, women are typically assigned limited roles focused on domestic functions or support. They may be expected to embody the roles of wives or mothers within an extremist framework or even engage in terrorist activities as an expression of religious devotion. Extremist organisations often manipulate patriarchal ideology to propagate their doctrines, strengthening the view that women must support their struggle and comply with predefined roles. This is frequently executed through propaganda that frames women’s participation in terms of jihad or sacred struggle.
The 2018 Surabaya Bombings
On May 13, 2018, a series of suicide bombings in Surabaya targeted churches and a police station, orchestrated by a family of terrorists. This group comprised a father, mother, and their children, all involved in planning and executing the attacks. The mother in this family was one of the primary perpetrators, participating in the suicide bombing at a church. This case highlights how patriarchal ideology not only influences women’s roles as supporters but also positions them as active participants in extremist violence.
Patriarchal ideology significantly shaped the radicalisation process for women in Surabaya, facilitating their recruitment into terrorist activities. This ideology often emphasises traditional gender roles, portraying women as nurturing figures whose primary responsibilities lie within the family. However, in the context of the Surabaya bombings, this traditional view was weaponised. The terrorist group framed participation in violence as a means for women to fulfil their roles within the family unit, presenting extremist acts as acts of loyalty and devotion to their husbands and children. This narrative not only facilitated recruitment but also provided a sense of purpose and identity within the extremist framework.
Moreover, the family dynamic was pivotal in reinforcing the radical ideology. The mother’s involvement in the bombings underscores a shift in how women are perceived in extremist contexts no longer merely as supporters, but as active participants with agency in orchestrating violence. This blurring of roles challenges the stereotype of women being passive victims and highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how ideological frameworks can influence women’s choices within extremist environments.
The strong patriarchal ideology within the Surabaya terrorist family reinforced specific roles for women, demanding their full compliance with the group’s extremist objectives. In this context, women were not only expected to support their husbands in their terrorist activities but also to take an active role in the execution of these acts. This expectation is indicative of a broader trend where women in extremist groups are often seen as integral components of the operational framework, contributing not only to planning but also to carrying out violent acts.
Impact on Women and Society
Extremist radicalisation, particularly involving women, has wide-ranging impacts that go beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and society at large. This phenomenon has been evident in cases like the Surabaya attacks in Indonesia, where female involvement in extremist violence highlighted unique psychological, social, and familial consequences.
- Trauma and Social Stigma: A Heavy Burden on Women
Women who become involved in extremist radicalisation often face severe trauma. Many are coerced or manipulated into extremism, leading to experiences that can include physical and psychological abuse. For those who are active participants, the psychological trauma of participating in violence and, for some, committing fatal acts, can be profound and enduring. In the Surabaya case, women were recruited and radicalised alongside family members, creating trauma that affected entire family units. Following their actions, these women were often rejected by society, which compounded their trauma through social exclusion, hostility, and isolation.
After such incidents, women and their families often become social pariahs. This stigma is not only directed at the women themselves but also extends to their children and relatives. Reintegration into society becomes extremely challenging due to the stigma of their extremist involvement, limiting their access to employment, social support, and even basic community engagement. Society’s unwillingness to accept these women creates barriers that prevent them from moving beyond their pasts. As a result, they may face prolonged marginalisation, which can lead to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Children from these families, often innocent bystanders, bear the brunt of this social exclusion, facing bullying, discrimination, and limited opportunities, which can perpetuate cycles of trauma and anger.
Prevention and Rehabilitation Strategies
Preventing the radicalisation of women and supporting their rehabilitation requires tailored strategies that address the unique challenges and needs faced by women in extremist contexts. Extremist ideologies often exploit patriarchal structures, making women particularly vulnerable to recruitment or manipulation.
- Education and Gender Awareness
Educational programs that emphasise gender equality and human rights can help reduce women’s vulnerability to extremist ideologies. Increasing awareness of patriarchal ideologies and their impacts on radicalisation is a critical step in prevention.
- Economic and Social Empowerment: Improving women’s access to education, skills, and economic opportunities can reduce their dependency on extremist ideologies and groups that manipulate patriarchal views.
- Gender-Sensitive Rehabilitation Programmes: Rehabilitation programs for women involved in radicalisation should be sensitive to their trauma and specific needs, including psychosocial support and social services that consider the impacts of patriarchal ideology on their lives.
The Surabaya bombings of 2018 underscore the impact of patriarchal ideology on the radicalisation of women and the use of extremist violence. By understanding how patriarchal beliefs influence women within the context of extremism, we can develop more effective and inclusive prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Raising awareness about gender roles in radicalisation and addressing the challenges faced by women involved in extremist violence are essential steps toward building safer and more just societies.
