Radicalisation and de-radicalisation in Finland - Support needs in de-radicalisation process

Abstract

This thesis was done in cooperation with Radinet organisation. In a discussion with Radinet personnel it came apparent that there is a need to explore the social support needs of individuals in de-radicalisation process in Finland. The aim of this thesis was to study the phenomena of radicalisation and de-radicalisation in Finland and to investigate the possible social support needs that the individuals on de-radicalisation process might have. Also, the role of Finnish social sector and how it could support the social needs for these individuals was reviewed. This research provides an overall picture of the current situation in Finland and provides suggestions on what measures could be taken in the future to better respond and acknowledge the issue.

In this study, a qualitative research approach was applied by conducting five interviews. Professionals working in the field were interviewed to obtain knowledge of the current situation in Finland. The data collection from the interviews was analyzed with thematic content analysis.

The main results were that radicalisation and de-radicalisation are individual processes, therefore the social support needs must be addressed according to individual demand. The root causes pushing towards radicalisation need to be explored to enable change. Also, it was important to separate radicalisation from violent radicalisation. The most significant finding was that the individuals in these processes need someone to listen to their story and someone to talk to. The main results of how Finnish social sector could respond to these needs was a multidisciplinary working approach in the processes and sharing knowledge of the phenomena. The third sector, NGOs, with expertise on this matter, should be included as cooperation partners and knowledge of their project and expertise should be widespread.

The results from the interviews presented in this thesis were in line with the literature and support the earlier research implemented on this topic. The conclusion was that there is a need to develop the multidisciplinary work with institutions and third sector organizations as well as to reorganize the existing resources. As a conclusion it could be said that education on the phenomena is needed to achieve common understanding of what they are. When reflecting the process, the need for further research related to radicalisation and deradicalisation is clear. Further research is needed on social and health care field to better understand the need of the individuals as well as the needs of the professionals that are in contact with the individuals on de-radicalisation process.