Middle class in Pakistan backs extremism more than poor groups study finds Jacob Shapiro

Middle class insulates itself from terrorism’s fallout

Research by Jacob N. Shapiro suggests support for extremist groups in Pakistan is strongest among the middle class. The study argues that while poorer people are more visible among perpetrators of terrorism, middle-class households can better buffer themselves from its negative effects. As a result, they may provide more financial and social backing to extremist networks.