Inter-ideological mingling: White extremist ideology entering the mainstream on Twitter. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Graham, Roderick
• Is Part Of: Sociological spectrum. Volume 36:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Sociology -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1080/02732173.2015.1075927
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0273-2173

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This case study explores the convergence of white extremist political ideology with mainstream political ideology on the micro-blogging platform Twitter – a phenomenon termed "inter-ideological mingling". Exploring the spread of white extremism in the digital environment can provide insight into the growth of hate groups in the physical environment. A sample of 4800 tweets was examined through hierarchical cluster analysis and textual analysis. Several pieces of evidence were found supporting inter-ideological mingling. Cluster analysis shows that extremist terms are not isolated from terms found in mainstream political discourse. Textual analysis of individual tweets provides evidence for five strategies of inter-ideological mingling: joining, blending, piggybacking, backstaging, and narrating .