Equality and Human Rights Commission (2016) Research report 102: Causes and motivations of hate crim, 29 july 2016

Country

United Kingdom

Title

Equality and Human Rights Commission (2016) Research report 102: Causes and motivations of hate crim, 29 july 2016

View full Research

Year

2016

Type of publication

Study - qualitative research

Geographical coverage

Regional

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

National human rights body

Institution

UK Equality and Human Rights Commission

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

DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.