‘Alarming and depressing’: Study explores link between misogyny and radicalisation

University of Melbourne Study on Misogyny & Extended Adulthood: A Discussion with Susie O’Brien

Key Concepts:

• Misogyny: Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.
• Violent Extremism: Radically extreme political, religious, or ideological beliefs advocating violence.
• Nexus: A connection or series of connections linking two or more things.
• Learned Helplessness: A state that occurs after a person has experienced a stressful situation repeatedly and becomes unable to change their situation, even when opportunities for change are available.
• Overindulgent Parenting: A parenting style characterized by excessive provision of material goods, lack of boundaries, and shielding children from consequences.

I. Study on Misogyny and Violent Extremism in Australian Boys

The discussion began with a recent University of Melbourne study, published in newspapers, examining the correlation between misogynistic attitudes and support for violent extremist ideologies among Australian boys. The study involved 500-600 boys aged 13-17. The Herald Sun highlighted the study’s finding that the overlap between misogynistic and extremist attitudes represents a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of countering violent extremism and potentially serves as an early warning sign for radicalization.

Susie O’Brien clarified that the research wasn’t a direct response to the Bondi Islamist attack, but was released in its wake, though the data collection occurred years prior. The study investigated the connection between anti-feminist views, anti-Semitic views, violent extremism, and pro-white power ideologies.

Specifically, the study revealed that 40% of boys surveyed expressed anti-feminist views, including beliefs such as:

• The acceptability of using violence to achieve desired outcomes.
• The notion that women manipulate men through sexuality.
• The belief that a husband should be able to force sexual intercourse on his wife, even against her will.

O’Brien emphasized the importance of acknowledging these views, despite their uncomfortable nature, as part of understanding the broader landscape of extreme violent ideologies. The host expressed some skepticism about the study’s methodology, questioning whether 13-year-olds could fully grasp the nuance of the questions posed.

II. Generational Shift: Young Adults Living at Home

The conversation shifted to an article written by Susie O’Brien concerning the increasing trend of young adults living with their parents well into their 20s and even 30s. O’Brien’s article posited that “overindulgent parenting” has contributed to the creation of a generation exhibiting “learned helplessness.”

She argued that this helplessness is being sustained rather than challenged, as parents continue to provide financial and practical support. O’Brien noted a significant generational shift, with individuals in their 50s and 60s now factoring ongoing financial responsibility for their adult children into their retirement plans – a phenomenon not observed by their parents’ generation.

O’Brien described a scenario where adult children are content to remain at home, benefiting from conveniences like home-cooked meals, access to a car, and assistance with household chores, making it easier for parents to continue providing support. She acknowledged her own experience with her 20 and 22-year-old children living at home.

III. Financial Responsibility & Boarding

The host directly asked O’Brien whether allowing children to live at home at age 20 constitutes a parenting failure. O’Brien responded that while her children currently do not pay board due to being full-time students, they will be expected to contribute financially once they secure full-time employment.

IV. Logical Connections & Perspectives

The discussion highlights a perceived societal shift in parenting styles and expectations. The initial segment on the study suggests a potential link between harmful ideologies and societal attitudes, while the second segment explores the consequences of those attitudes on the next generation’s independence and self-reliance. O’Brien’s perspective emphasizes the need for both awareness of potentially harmful beliefs and a re-evaluation of parenting practices to foster greater responsibility and resilience in young adults. The host’s questioning reflects a common parental concern about balancing support with the need to encourage independence.

V. Notable Quotes

• “The coincidence of misogynistic and extremist attitudes makes it an important and overlooked part of the puzzle in our countering violent extremism efforts and a possible early warning sign as a pathway to radicalization.” – Reported from The Herald Sun regarding the University of Melbourne study.
• “With nearly half of young adults still living at home, overindulgent parenting has helped create a generation of kids.” – Susie O’Brien, from her article on young adults living at home.
• “They’re more than happy to sit at home and wait for us to come home and cook them dinner. They’re more than happy to borrow our car cuz they’ve got no petrol in theirs. And they will even lift up their feet so we can vacuum underneath.” – Susie O’Brien, describing the ease with which her adult children allow their parents to continue supporting them.

Conclusion:

The discussion presented a complex interplay between societal concerns regarding extremism, evolving parenting practices, and the challenges faced by young adults transitioning to independence. The University of Melbourne study raises important questions about the potential roots of radicalization, while O’Brien’s article highlights the unintended consequences of overprotective and financially enabling parenting. The conversation underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of these issues and a willingness to address them proactively.