Why Feelings of Injustice, Exclusion and Belonging Matter
Most people experience periods in their lives where they question:
- Who they are.
- Where they belong.
- What they believe.
- How they fit into society.
These questions are a normal part of personal growth and development.
For many people, university is a time of exploration, challenge and change. Students and staff may encounter new ideas, new communities and different perspectives.
Most people navigate these experiences positively.
However, some individuals may experience feelings of grievance, injustice, exclusion or isolation that can increase vulnerability to harmful influences.
Understanding these experiences helps us recognise when someone may benefit from support and why certain narratives can become appealing.
What Do We Mean By Identity?
Identity refers to how we understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Identity may be shaped by:
- Family.
- Culture.
- Faith.
- Nationality.
- Gender.
- Sexuality.
- Education.
- Experiences.
- Relationships.
- Personal values.
Identity is rarely fixed.
People often explore and redefine aspects of their identity throughout their lives.
This is a normal and healthy process.
Why Is Belonging Important?
Humans are social beings.
Most people want to feel:
- Accepted.
- Valued.
- Connected.
- Understood.
- Included.
Belonging can come from:
- Friendships.
- Family.
- Faith communities.
- Student groups.
- Sports clubs.
- Cultural communities.
- Shared interests.
When people feel connected and supported, they are often better able to navigate challenges and setbacks.
Understanding Grievance
A grievance is a feeling that something is unfair, unjust or wrong.
Everyone experiences grievances from time to time.
Examples may include:
- Feeling excluded.
- Experiencing discrimination.
- Academic disappointment.
- Workplace conflict.
- Relationship breakdown.
- Financial hardship.
- Feeling overlooked or ignored.
Experiencing grievance does not mean someone is vulnerable to radicalisation.
However, unresolved grievances can sometimes make people more receptive to individuals or groups offering simple explanations or someone to blame.
When Grievance Becomes Harmful
Problems can arise when legitimate frustrations become linked to narratives that:
- Promote hatred.
- Blame entire groups of people.
- Encourage hostility.
- Justify violence.
- Reject alternative perspectives.
Extremist movements often seek to exploit genuine frustrations by providing simplistic explanations for complex problems.
For example:
"Your problems are caused by them."
"Society is against people like you."
"Only we understand the truth."
These messages can be appealing to individuals who feel unheard, isolated or frustrated.
The Search For Meaning And Purpose
Many people seek:
- Purpose.
- Direction.
- Identity.
- Community.
This is particularly common during periods of transition or uncertainty.
Most people find meaning through:
- Education.
- Employment.
- Relationships.
- Faith.
- Community involvement.
- Personal interests.
However, some groups seek to exploit this natural desire for meaning by offering a sense of mission, belonging or status.
Online Communities And Identity
Online spaces can provide valuable opportunities for connection and support.
However, some online communities can reinforce:
- Grievances.
- Mistrust.
- Polarisation.
- Anger.
- Hostility.
When individuals engage primarily with people who share the same frustrations, beliefs can sometimes become increasingly extreme without challenge from alternative viewpoints.
Understanding Incel Communities
One example often discussed in Prevent and safeguarding contexts is the emergence of some online "incel" communities.
The term "incel" originally referred to "involuntary celibacy" and described people who felt unable to form romantic or sexual relationships.
Many individuals who identify with feelings of loneliness or social isolation pose no risk to others and simply seek support or understanding.
However, some online communities have developed narratives that:
- Blame women for personal difficulties.
- Promote hostility towards others.
- Encourage resentment and victimhood.
- Glorify violence or harmful behaviour.
The concern is not loneliness itself.
The concern is when feelings of rejection or isolation are manipulated into hatred, hostility or support for violence.
Other Examples Of Identity-Based Grievances
Identity-related grievances can emerge in many different ways.
Examples might include:
Feeling excluded because of ethnicity or faith.
Feeling marginalised because of political beliefs.
Feeling disconnected from society.
Experiencing discrimination.
Feeling that opportunities are unfairly distributed.
Struggling to find a sense of belonging.
These experiences do not lead to radicalisation.
However, extremist groups may seek to exploit these feelings to recruit, influence or manipulate individuals.
The Danger Of Simple Answers
Life is often complex.
Social issues rarely have simple explanations.
Extremist narratives frequently offer:
- Clear enemies.
- Simple solutions.
- Easy explanations.
- A sense of certainty.
These messages can feel attractive during periods of confusion or frustration.
Critical thinking helps us challenge these narratives and consider a wider range of perspectives.
Protective Factors
Many factors help build resilience against harmful influences.
These include:
✓ Strong support networks.
✓ Healthy relationships.
✓ Critical thinking skills.
✓ Exposure to diverse viewpoints.
✓ Positive communities.
✓ Opportunities for meaningful participation.
✓ Access to support when difficulties arise.
These factors can help people navigate challenges without becoming isolated or vulnerable to manipulation.
Professional Curiosity
For staff, concerns should not focus on an individual's identity, beliefs or background alone.
Instead, it can be helpful to consider:
- Has something changed?
- What might be driving this?
- Are there wider wellbeing concerns?
- Is the person becoming increasingly isolated?
- What support is available?
Understanding the person is usually more important than focusing solely on the behaviour.
Key Message
Questions about identity, belonging and fairness are a normal part of life.
Experiencing loneliness, frustration, rejection or grievance does not make someone vulnerable to extremism.
However, individuals who feel isolated, excluded or unheard may sometimes become more susceptible to harmful narratives that offer simple explanations, a sense of belonging or someone to blame.
Understanding grievance and identity helps us recognise vulnerability, promote inclusion and ensure that people receive support before problems escalate.