Race and Radicalisation EJ Peatfield University of Liverpool
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Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool Race and Radicalisation: Examining Perceptions Of Counter-Radicalisation Policy Amongst Minority Groups in Liverpool 8 and 24. Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the University of Liverpool for the degree of Doctor in Philosophy by Elizabeth-Jane Peatfield February 2017 1 | Page Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool Abstract This thesis critically analyses the UK Government’s current counter-radicalisation policy, focusing in particular on groups presented as vulnerable or susceptible to the drivers of radicalisation outlined within the counter-radicalisation policy Prevent (2011). Although there have been a number of studies looking at the effect of counter-radicalisation policy on Muslim communities in Britain, this study is unique in its kind, as it examines the impact of counter-radicalisation policy on non- Muslim minorities. This work draws attention to the linking of terrorism to socio- economically marginalised groups and the concomitant gaze of surveillance or suspicion directed towards those considered risky. Based on the evidence gathered, it is argued that the negative framing of communities based on race and class has linked them to the risk of radicalisation through the construction of counter- radicalisation drivers and vulnerabilities. To explore the intersectionality of race and class with assumptions embedded in counter-radicalisation policy, the research employed both quantitative and qualitative methodology to examinee minority communities in two areas of Liverpool. The research sought to gauge how much non-Muslim minorities knew about Prevent (2011) and the drivers identified in the document, alongside whether they believed they had been affected by counter-radicalisation/terrorism policy. The first phase was designed to position the research by considering the dynamics of identity construction. Phase two used semi-structured interviews to directly gauge the opinions of the groups highlighted for concern, in order to assess what they thought of as their own ‘vulnerabilities’, and the capacity of the ‘drivers of radicalisation’ identified in Prevent (2011) to influence behaviour and action. 2 | Page Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool The evidence presented in the thesis suggests that racialisation of Muslims and a re-classification of minority groups as Muslim have seen many non-Muslim minorities subject to the same security intrusions as many British Muslims, through an amalgamation of risk-based interventions and institutional discrimination. It is argued that the concepts of race and ethnicity can be fluid and linked with economic salience, which could act as a determinant for treatment and representation by the state. This research also suggests that class can intersect with race and ethnicity to create new targets for counter-radicalisation and counter-terrorism consideration. The negative framing of poor communities within policy can create a local resilience towards state intrusions, but also creates deep social divides. 3 | Page Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool In Loving Memory of My Beautiful Mum Patricia Ellen Simpson 9th Nov 1947 – 8th June 2017 I miss you always and each day 4 | Page Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool Dedication The journey through academia was a somewhat unexpected journey for me, but this thesis is dedicated to one person, my husband Russell Peatfield. Russ gave me the confidence to begin this journey, the strength to stick it out when it got tough and was understanding when I wanted to quit. He has supported me in everything, and without him this dyslexic ex-bouncer would not have even come back to school to get her basic English, let alone go on to a degree and beyond. Acknowledgements I would also like to acknowledge and thank the most important women in my life, my fabulous Mum and Aunty Pam. Growing up in a house full of women who challenged the stereotype of a ‘normal’ family and embraced diversity was the best start a kid could have. Learning tolerance and accepting people as they were was a gift you gave me, so thank you. In addition, I would like to thank both my supervisors: Professor Gabe Mythen and Professor Sandra Walklate. Thank you for believing that a mouthy ex-bouncer could do this, and for supporting me all the way. You have both given me such strength through your unwavering support. Thank you also to my best friend Beattie (aka Sandra Tollick). You have held my hand through this when I have wanted to quit. You are my unofficial supervisor and I love you for it. 5 | Page Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool Declaration This thesis is the result of my own work. The material contained in the thesis has not been presented, nor is currently being presented, either wholly or in part for any other degree. 6 | Page Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool Contents Dedication ...........................................................................................................5 Acknowledgements .............................................................................................5 Declaration ..........................................................................................................6 List of Figures .....................................................................................................12 List of Tables.......................................................................................................13 Chapter One: The Prevent Policy ........................................................................14 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 14 1.1 Policy Construction, Confusion and Challenge ......................................... 17 Civilisation and the Civilised? ..................................................................... 18 Preventing Radicalisation ............................................................................ 21 1.2 Non-Violent/Violent Ideology ................................................................... 27 The Reduction of a Problem ........................................................................ 32 1.3 Policing the ‘Vulnerable’: Evidence-Based Policing ................................. 35 Exploring the Facts and Figures .................................................................. 38 2016 Duty Guidance .................................................................................... 40 Prevent in Liverpool .................................................................................... 43 1.4 Is Prevent Value for Money? ...................................................................... 44 Policy Failures ............................................................................................. 45 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 48 Chapter Two: The Need for Terminological Specificity ....................................50 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 50 2.1 Reducing Radicalisation ............................................................................. 50 2.2 Problematising, Radicalisation and Language ........................................... 55 A Blurring of the Targets ............................................................................. 57 2.3 Problematising the Risk of Radicalisation ................................................. 60 2.4 Radicalisation and the Assumptions of Violence ....................................... 64 The Quantification of Difference: Special Crimes by Special People ........ 67 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 75 Chapter Three: Liverpool, the Suspect City ........................................................76 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 76 3.1 In my Liverpool Home ............................................................................... 77 7 | Page Race and Radicalisation E J Peatfield University of Liverpool 3.2 Scouse Folk Devils: Liverpool 1970s-80s.................................................. 78 A Historically Diverse City ......................................................................... 79 Policing: the Wider Context Post-1980s ..................................................... 88 3.3 The Resilient City: the Creation of a Fortress Mentality ........................... 91 Financial Insecurities ................................................................................... 92 3.4 The Communities under Study ................................................................... 96 Princes Park Ward (PPW) Liverpool 8 ........................................................ 97 Speke Garston Ward (SGW) Liverpool 24 .................................................. 99 3.5 Suspect City? ............................................................................................ 105 Chapter Four: Policy, Place and People ..............................................................108 Methodology Introduction: The Dilemma of an Insider /Outsider Status ...... 108 4.1 Reflecting on Position, People and Place ................................................