Kelly Swanson

My research builds on theories pertaining to political ideology, group dynamics, and extremism to understand pressing social and political issues. My current work examines how identity, strong ideological commitments, and grievances shape beliefs about civil and human rights, particularly when people become willing to restrict the rights and freedoms of others. This work uncovers how normative beliefs and ordinary psychological processes can create pathways toward harmful attitudes and behaviors, including support for extremism, political violence, and the denial of human rights.