Redefining Masculinity and Femininity on Violent Extremism and Terrorism: The Case of 2018 Surabaya Bombings

This paper aims to evaluate the attributes of masculinity and femininity in violent extremism and terrorist attack using 2018 Surabaya Bombings as a case study. Much of the literature on the subject attaches the combative quality and violence to men while women assume the supporting and non-violent role as mother and wife. This labeling begins to drift as women who are recruited to violent extremist groups, particularly those of radical Islamists, directly engage in perpetrating terrorist act. This is especially evident when women and children participated as combatant in the bombing of three churches in the city of Surabaya, Indonesia in May of 2018. Given the unprecedented shift in the nature of terrorism since ISIS extended its influence to Southeast Asia, there is a need to examine whether the current gender analysis pertaining to violent extremism remains applicable to explain that change. To determine whether the conceptualization of masculinity and femininity needs to be redefined amidst such change, this paper will conduct a literature review on the two concepts. Subsequently, the 2018 Surabaya Bombings are accounted before an assessment is made as to whether redefinition of the two concepts is necessary to strengthen the accuracy of gender analysis on violent extremism and terrorism.