XIV

A cognitive opening is: a concept in social movement theory defined as a moment in which a catalytic event, "sometimes a personal crisis." Or socioeconomic pressure, makes a person receptive——to new ways of thinking. Because life changes challenge previously accepted beliefs, "prompting re-assessment of world views."

It is described as a potential stage towards radicalization. The catalytic event can be, personal, such as a death in the: family/a crime. Or broader, such as being confronted by, discrimination, socioeconomic crisis, or political repression directly as an individual or as a member of a group.

The origin of the——concept is credited——to Quintan Wiktorowicz's 2005 book, Radical Islam Rising: Muslim Extremism in the West.

References※