Né vittime, né carnefici. Cittadine. Un’analisi pedagogica dei ruoli delle madri nei percorsi di prevenzione alla radicalizzazione violenta e al terrorismo

Phenomenologies of Islamic terrorism, changing processes of radicalization to violence, and the suicide terrorist attacks perpetrated in many European countries, together constitute a complex educational topic. A topic that defies simplistic readings whereby the drawing of sharp boundaries between ‘us’ and ‘them’, or civilization and barbarism, organizes and reproduces morally reassuring analyses that relieve us of the duty to more thoroughly explore causes and areas of co-responsibility. A combination of pedagogical and gender based analysis can significantly contribute to advancing our knowledge of these phenomena and the related representations, deconstruct the processes underlying them, and inform the design of preventive interventions. More specifically, this article assesses the limitations and risks surrounding women’s role in prevention, also indicating ways in which the positive potential of this role may be explored; it is crucial to avoid re-essentializing the maternal and feminine, while supporting full recognition of women’s status as active and critical citizens