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I’m often asked to explain fundamentalism as I see it operating everywhere in society, hence my reason for writing this article.
There is a hiding in plain sight aspect to fundamentalism which people generally fail to see because it is very frequently, or shall I say its heavily disguised as passion, authenticity, fair game or even logic and common sense. And in many developed countries, individualistic fundamentalism actually operates within free thinking democracies as a reaction to fast paced changes which people fear, people fear change for many reasons, therefore it often blends into the background.
In my opinion and viewpoint on the landscape, here are two examples of fundamentalism hiding in plain sight, right in front of you and you don’t see it. I will give you an average example and an extreme example.
An average example of fundamentalism specifically hiding in plain sight is the strong fixation or adherence to strict diets or lifestyle type dogmas which are often taught and presented in wellness or guru led subcultures and I use this term lightly. Certain ways of eating within certain communities in a specific way, isn’t a real health choice but more of a moral imperative that you must live this way and you must eat this food or else.
Anyone that drags their feet or deviates from the clean or way often called the pure path, are viewed as uncouth or unclean or just failures. Not getting with the programme, not understanding it, not caring enough or lazy and breaking the community rules. These things are treated as absolute, unquestionable truths. It’s simple and very strong at the same time. I’m only giving you an average example and I can’t use any less, strength of words to describe this.
Members or participants of a culture or a group often say it has a dedicated and disciplined lifestyle, with consequences for breaking the rules or not adhering to said teachings and missing the underlying structure of them vs us and a strong refusal to accept or acknowledge, let alone even consider listening to any proof or evidence that teaches, educates or contradicts the central belief or creed.
I hope you’re enjoying your first introduction and taste to something right in front of you, but you never looked at it this way.
Now this is an extreme example of fundamentalism in plain sight and there are many. Let’s just look at this one, which is enforcement of a totalitarian social coding system in public spaces. Such as the morality police or moral policing or an aggressive cancel culture.
Cancel culture wording on its own is inadequate. It has to have aggression attached to it. Firm delivery of here are the consequences from any ideological extreme. And this is what you’d call fundamentalism at work in society, when even the most minute slip up or a wrong word or a challenging, confronting or dissenting thought. Even a specific type of clothing or garment or symbol on that garment, however small or popular, can result in immediate public flogging, hanging or excommunication and punishment and justice. The word punishment opens up a rabbit hole – and where that can actually go.
Having said that, generally speaking, our society sees this noise, this shouting and the public shaming or even the legal consequences as a form of passionate activism or just controlling the masses. Or maintaining law and order, but failing to acknowledge that there is a witnessing of fundamentalist demands for absolute ideological conformity and compliance and acquiescence to the rules, that leaves no room for any human error or slip up.
From an analytical viewpoint and keeping it now on a basic level, I will explain in the simplest way as to what is central to fundamentalism and once you understand it, you will see it is everywhere in many walks of life.
I believe it’s a strong, fixed way of thinking that seeks control over uncertainty and develops in response to emerging uncertainty, rapid change and fears in people.
Fundamentalism is a strict and unyielding attachment to various sets of beliefs and it is associated with specific and unique ideologies. Central to fundamentalism is a psychological pattern, that spreads broadly and can appear in many forms, including areas of politics, social and cultural settings. Understanding it requires an observation behind the labels and surface fronts to focus on how and specifically why it develops so quickly.
This often shows up in daily situations in our everyday world, as you might see someone completely shut down or stamp on someone’s conversation the moment a different opinion or view is mentioned. Or they can refuse to even allow even a millimetre of another person’s perspective. It can also appear respectful and calm on the surface and that person can put on a masking smile and a friendly consideration to your thoughts and feelings.
But underneath the surface there is a fixed, unmoving, unbending, rigidity and that person or group is listening from maturity and respect, but that’s all it is. They’re giving you the courtesy and the kindness to let you speak, but they will not allow one millimetre, not one drop to land on them. And everybody knows something or somebody like this.
In my view at its most basic level, fundamentalism is central to certainty. It’s all about certainty and it provides clear answers in situations where human life feels unstable and uncertain. And for some individuals, this surety and certainty feels appealing. As it removes ambiguity and replaces it with a solid or stable structure.
And in a world that can feel unpredictable, fundamentalism then creates a sense of control and safety.
During change, the need for certainty increases. When the social norms alter and change, especially when expectations become unclear, foggy or wane, the masses feel disconnected. The drive and appeal of a solid belief system will grow stronger and deeper as these systems offer a fixed point of view and understanding. And they define what is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable without requiring any further challenge or questioning and can give certain people hope which attracts them.
I agree that from a psychological point of view in the greater picture, this reduces social anxiety. That means anxiety in society, as when a person adopts a strict belief system or framework then they no longer need to evaluate smaller situations independently has the framework does the work for them.
This certainly does bring short term relief, but it can also limit adaptability and flexibility and prevent deeper insights or understanding. Another main factor to look at is identity as fundamentalist thinking is closely tied to an individual’s sense of self as it is not just something they actually believe but it becomes something they are as. This makes it more resistant to change and challenge. If the personal belief is challenged and questioned for that person or group, it can feel like a personal attack instead of a discussion or an exploration and as a result defensive reactions can arise in response.
Central to this is group dynamics as belonging to a group that shares the same sound and solid belief will reinforce those views. Agreements within the group solidifies and strengthens its confidence, while disagreements from outside of that group will be dismissed or rejected. And this creates a closed loop where beliefs are less examined from different external perspectives and growth internally evolves.
During a period of development over time, this can lead to a narrowing of viewpoints for those involved and information that supports currently held or existing beliefs is accepted, while information that challenges them is ignored or reinterpreted and this process is often referred to as confirmation bias as it allows the belief system to remain solid and intact even when faced with contradictory or conflicting evidence that states otherwise.
Certain situations and people may then be categorised in simple terms, such as they are right or they are wrong, they are good or they are bad. And whilst this simplifies the decision making involved, it also reduces any chance of empathy and inner understanding. As complex situations are reduced to solid fixed positions of belief, leaving little room for adjustments or reconsideration on the stance.
I think it is also important to recognise that fundamentalism does not always present itself as common thought. In extreme forms, as in milder situations it may appear as rigidity in thinking or a resistance to new ideas being taken on board. But in stronger forms it can lead to conflicts and clashes, as differing views are not just seen as actually different, but rather as unacceptable.
What many people don’t get or realise is that fundamentalism operating all around us is not always aggressive or loud. And in many cases it can present itself as conviction, calm, confidence or certainty. Which makes it even harder to recognise and easily dismissed. As there is a difference between having strong beliefs and being unable to challenge or question them. Because questioning them boils down to one thing in my opinion, one word and that is threat, of change and that would mean giving up what you believe.
Try this now has an experiment in yourself and think of something that you hold really strong as a belief but you can’t prove it. And you’ve already pondered on the idea that you might be wrong, but you choose to believe it because it gives you something. There is no evidence. You can’t prove it, but you still believe it. And you know others attack it or challenge it, but you still believe it. You also know there are other people who believe the opposite of it or claim to have proven otherwise, but you still do believe it.
Now try letting it go and giving it up. You won’t. So, it’s important to feel and understand what it’s like for others when challenged about their belief even if you don’t believe their belief or accept their belief. It’s important to just stand in their shoes to see what they’re saying or seeing or thinking and if you can do that, that alone indicates your maturity and your intelligence.
Most people or groups can hold a view and still reflect upon it and consider others, especially in an educational way, as another might be able to teach them or improve what they already know or are developing. But fundamentalism shuts that down by removing any flexibility or in other words, it just slams the door closed and hard. Some people, through their life experiences of the consequences they have experienced may close the door gently with a smiling face, but it still boils down to the same thing.
How many times has someone knocked your front door? A salesperson, canvasser or religious caller calls and you’ve been courteous and respectful even though you want to tell them where to go? Not including swear words, of course. But instead, you just shake your head and look them in their eyes and you offer a smile. And then you slowly close the door as you are not open to receive or know what they are calling for, you just are closing the door.
Fundamentalism is in many areas of life and not just in politics or religions. It can show up in workplaces and relationships, even in everyday day to day discussions and chats, where one side becomes fixed and unmovable and that leads to tension or intensity in the other person or people and groups instantly and this happens without awareness, which in nearly all cases leads to conflicts. An important point to note is this happens slowly or gradually over time just beneath the radar.
As already stated, the role of uncertainty which is central to understanding this pattern, as humans generally prefer predictability and when that predictability is reduced or lacking, there can be a strong pull towards certain belief systems that offer clearer direction and structure. So, fundamentalism provides that direction, but often at a cost of flexibility and adaptability.
Additionally, I think within psychology interpretation, there is also a clear link to control, as when individuals feel a lack of control in their unique lives. Adopting a strict belief system, whatever that may be, can create a better sense of control and order in themselves and in their life as it defines how things should be and reduces the need to externally navigate complexity which can feel stabilising, especially during periods of personal or external extreme stress, both individually and socially.
This stability comes with its limitations, as rigid thinking, can make it very difficult to adjust when circumstances then change as it can create tension in interactions with other people and groups who do not share the same views or values. And over time this can lead to serious isolation and conflict which can escalate out of all control.
A more balanced approach to this would involve developing and maintaining a structure while allowing for flexibility which means holding beliefs without becoming entirely fixed or dependent on them. As this allows for adjustments which is considered essential along with learning and a wider understanding of differing perspectives and ideas, even wisdom. And whilst this approach may feel less certain it does lead to a more sustainable and adaptable way of thinking.
And finally, I believe fundamentalism is much less about the specific beliefs that are involved, but it’s more about the way those beliefs are gripped and held as it develops as a response to the said uncertainty and the identity needs and the desire for control. While it can provide clarity and stability, it can also then, limit understanding and flexibility in change. So, recognising these patterns can help create a more balanced way of engaging with ideas and with other groups and people and that can result in healthier growth for all concerned.
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