Religious, political, and social radicalization are reflected in different social phenomena. In the last several years, discussion has been centered on violent Salafism. However, radicalization of the extremist right also remains a burning social issue. Radicalization can take place gradually, often go unnoticed, and unsettle relatives as much as educational specialists. Projects and programs in this field focus on the prevention and interruption of youth radicalization, the sensitization of multipliers and parents, and the provision of help for those who want to leave radicalist movements.
Our evaluations and research projects address practitioners who work with youth and young adults to prevent radicalization. For example, we are currently supporting the development of a structured clearing procedure for the prevention of student radicalization in six pilot schools across Germany.
In addition, for several years we have been supporting a project which works with young male, mostly Muslim, peer educators who conduct workshops in youth centers and schools to address topics such as masculinity and honor. In a 2014 quasi-experimental evaluation, we were able to show that these workshops have a lasting, positive effect on the attitudes of participants towards gender norms that legitimate violence. In 2017, we evaluated a new initiative of the project that combined student, parent, and teacher workshops.
In the framework of the Berlin Office for the Prevention of Youth Violence, we evaluated federal state projects for the prevention of radicalization in different context such as in schools, public administration and on a municipal level.