Change is the Only Constant: The Evolving Role of Women in the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Issue 4 (3rd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gan, Ruth; Neo, Loo Seng; Chin, Jeffery; Khader, Majeed
• Is Part Of: Women & criminal justice. Volume 29:Issue 4/5(2019)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2019-09-03
• Subjects: women -- jihadi -- terrorism -- suicide bomber -- ISIS; Sex discrimination in criminal justice administration -- Periodicals; Female offenders -- Periodicals; Women -- Crimes against -- Periodicals; Women criminal justice personnel -- Periodicals; 364.374
• DOI: 10.1080/08974454.2018.1547674
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-4454

Abstract

Abstract : In the past, women in the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) were known to serve as homemakers (i.e., wives, mothers). However, in recent times there has been a shift in their roles, as more women are starting to emerge on the front lines as suicide bombers, recruiters, or a part of ISIS's official women police brigade. This article investigates this phenomenon by performing a thematic analysis on open-source material, namely research reports, media reports, and propaganda material produced by ISIS. In doing so, it presents the evolution of the roles of women in ISIS from past to present and highlights key reasons that motivate women to join ISIS, which include ideology, alienation, romance, peer influence, and a sense of security. Implications for research on women in terrorism have also been identified.