Identification with the aggressor is a complex psychological defense mechanism, where an individual, after experiencing victimization, unconsciously adopts the characteristics or behaviors of their aggressor. This process allows the victim's psyche to cope with the overwhelming emotions associated with their position. In essence, it’s a survival strategy—an attempt to gain control over an otherwise helpless situation. The idea was first introduced by Sigmund Freud, who noted that individuals often cope with threats by imitating the behaviors of those who pose the threat.

In situations where a person is continually victimized or oppressed, they may face an internal dilemma: to remain a victim, or to take on the role of the aggressor themselves. The second choice, though psychologically uncomfortable, may seem to offer a way out of the helplessness. The individual does not consciously choose to become the aggressor, but their psyche pushes them into this pattern as a defense mechanism. The reasoning is simple: survival.

The Root of Identification with the Aggressor

This psychological reaction happens when a person is subjected to violence or oppression, but feels helpless in their ability to escape or retaliate. The mind then creates a coping mechanism through introjection, a process where the individual takes on traits or behaviors of the aggressor, often without realizing it. By adopting these behaviors, they feel less vulnerable and, at least unconsciously, more in control.

In extreme cases, such as abuse or bullying, victims may adopt the aggressor’s tactics as a way of avoiding future harm. This psychological shift is subtle yet powerful—it is a way for the victim to regain some semblance of power, though at the cost of adopting the very behaviors that oppressed them.

Psychological Defense Mechanisms at Play

The mechanism of identification with the aggressor often comes into play under extreme emotional distress. When faced with a situation where someone is unable to defend themselves against external threats—whether physical, emotional, or social—the psyche must react. In this context, the victim’s self-preservation instincts kick in.

The defense works in two primary ways:

1. Rejection of the victim role: The victim refuses to remain in the powerless position and attempts to assert control by mimicking the aggressor's behavior.

2. Unconscious process: The individual does not consciously acknowledge their shift in behavior. Instead, the unconscious mind makes this adjustment to protect the person from the overwhelming feelings of helplessness. They are not actively aware that they are becoming like the very aggressor they feared.

From Victim to Aggressor: The Process Explained

One example of this mechanism is seen in childhood experiences, where a child who has been traumatized by fear or aggression might begin to mirror the behavior of those who caused harm. Take the example of a child who is terrified of monsters under their bed. Initially, the child is a victim, fearing the monsters' threat. Over time, the child may "defend" themselves by becoming like the monsters—emulating their behaviors to gain control over the fear. The child then feels safe, not because the threat is gone, but because they have taken on the role of the aggressor.

This shift from victimhood to aggression is sometimes seen in societal dynamics, where marginalized individuals or groups, unable to protect themselves, begin to adopt the behaviors of the dominant group. In certain cases, this results in conformity, as the psyche forces the individual to imitate the aggressor in hopes of survival or acceptance within the dominant social structure.

The Role of Identification with the Aggressor in Crime and Society

The phenomenon of identification with the aggressor is often discussed in criminology and social psychology. It explains why, in environments where crime and violence are prevalent, individuals might find themselves drawn into criminal behavior. For example, a person living in a high-crime neighborhood may initially be a victim of the lawlessness and violence. However, over time, they may begin to adopt the behaviors of those around them—becoming involved in crime or even justifying criminal behavior as a means of survival.

This cycle of violence is known to escalate in communities where impunity is rampant. People see others engaging in harmful behaviors without consequences and, feeling both threatened and powerless, may begin to mirror those actions to protect themselves. As the saying goes, "to survive the war, you must become the war."

The Connection Between Impunity and Aggression

This concept can be better understood through Malcolm Gladwell’s Broken Windows Theory, which posits that visible signs of disorder and minor crimes lead to an increase in larger crimes. In this theory, when people witness broken windows or minor infractions that are not addressed, it creates a sense of lawlessness and impunity. As a result, law-abiding citizens might begin to behave in ways that mimic the aggressors they see around them. The cycle of victimization and aggression escalates as the individual feels that they must join the ranks of the lawless in order to protect themselves.

New York City's fight against graffiti and fare evasion in the 1980s exemplifies this. The city's leaders understood that seemingly small offenses, if left unchecked, would lead to larger issues. By cracking down on these minor crimes, the authorities were not just addressing the lawlessness on the surface—they were preventing the identification with the aggressor that might have otherwise spread through the population.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing the Root Causes of Aggression

Psychologically, individuals caught in the cycle of identification with the aggressor need help to break free from the destructive patterns. Addressing these issues requires understanding that aggression and victimhood are not the only choices. There is always another way to cope with life’s challenges.

Therapy and support systems play a critical role in helping individuals understand their experiences and reframe their sense of identity. Rather than seeing themselves as either a victim or an aggressor, individuals can learn healthier coping mechanisms and better ways to deal with conflict. Encouraging empathy and understanding in communities can also help to reduce the prevalence of this defense mechanism.

Conclusion: The Dangerous Delusion of the Aggressor-Victim Cycle

In conclusion, identification with the aggressor is a survival mechanism that, while providing temporary relief from victimization, ultimately perpetuates the cycle of aggression and harm. The defense mechanism can be seen in personal relationships, communities, and even entire societies where lawlessness and impunity prevail. The real challenge lies in recognizing this pattern and addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues before it leads to further harm.

By understanding the mechanisms behind identification with the aggressor, we can better address its roots and find healthier, more sustainable ways for individuals and societies to cope with trauma, conflict, and power dynamics.