Siege mentality

In sociology, siege mentality is a shared feeling of victimization and defensiveness—a term derived from the actual experience of military defences of real sieges. It is a collective state of mind in which a group of people believe themselves constantly attacked, oppressed, or isolated in the face of the negative intentions of the rest of the world. Although a group phenomenon, the term describes both the emotions and thoughts of the group as a whole, and as individuals.^[1]

The result is a state of being overly fearful of surrounding peoples, and an intractably defensive attitude.^[2]

The related term bunker mentality may be used in the context of businesses facing competition or downsizing, with a similar paradigm applying to some religious groups.

^ D. J. Christie, The Encyclopedia of peace Psychology v1 (2011) p. 997
^ "What the Siege Mentality Is". www.beyondintractability.org. Retrieved 2008-03-05.

[1] D. J. Christie, The Encyclopedia of peace Psychology v1 (2011) p. 997

[2] "What the Siege Mentality Is". www.beyondintractability.org. Retrieved 2008-03-05.

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