On the Logic of Post-Factum Explanations: The Hypothesis of Lower-Class Frustration As the Cause of Leftist Radicalism

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Abstract
The common theme underlying most theories on lower-class leftist extremism views this orientation as dependent on frustration with life situation. Employing data collected in lower-class slums of Santiago, Chile, five theories bearing on this notion are tested. None is supported. Leftist radicalism, however, is associated with imputation of responsibilty for frustrations to the social structure. Results support a definition of radicalism as a complex orientation requiring antecedent cognitive variables for its emergence. The popularity of the frustration-radicalism hypothesis is interpreted as a partial result of the post-factum self-legitimation of successful revolutionary movements.

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