Equality and Human Rights Commission (2016) Research report 102: Causes and motivations of hate crim, 29 july 2016
Country
United Kingdom
Title
Year
Type of publication
Geographical coverage
Regional
Area/location of interest
Type of Institution
National human rights body
Institution
Main Thematic Focus
Hate crime
Target Population
Right-wing extremists
Key findings
This report looks into hate crime causation and perpetrator motivation. There is no single type of hate crime nor is there one single type of perpetrator who are not always motivated by a single type of prejudice or hatred. Research suggests that there are four ‘types’ of perpetrators: thrill seekers (motivated by a thrill and excitement); defensive (motivated by a desire to protect their territory); retaliators (retaliation for a perceived attack against their own group); and mission (a mission in life to eradicate ‘difference’). Perpetrators may be influenced by their perception that a group poses a threat to them, be that a ‘realistic threat’ (perceived competition over jobs etc.) or a ‘symbolic threat’ (threat posed to people’s values and norms). Most, if not all, hate crimes are linked by perceptions of threat.
Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)
Report findings are based on an international literature review on the causes of hate crime undertaken within the fields of social psychology and criminology. Academic and civil society sources were used as well as findings from the authors own empirical research. Additionally, two roundtable events were convened as part of the research process that brought together a total of 27 experts, policymakers and practitioners working in the field of hate crime. The topics and themes that emerged from the events were used to inform the structure of the report.
Sample details and representativeness
N/A