Collective identification and social movement participation.

Abstract

Determinants of collective behavior, as suggested by the social identity or self-categorization approach and social movement research, were examined in 2 field studies. Study 1 was conducted in the context of the older people's movement in Germany and Study 2 in the context of the gay movement in the United States. Both studies yielded similar results pointing to 2 independent pathways to willingness to participate in collective action; one is based on cost-benefit calculations (including normative considerations), and the other is based on collective identification as an activist. Study 2 included an experimental manipulation and provided evidence for the causal role of collective identification as an activist. Directions for future research on the proposed dual-pathway model are suggested.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is! Explaining Collective Action Tendencies Through Group-Based Anger and Group Efficacy.

“…Our model also provides a more general and potentially more parsimonious view of collective action in relation to the Simon et al (1998) and Klandermans (1997) approaches. These models have a clear instrumental component but lack a detailed emotional analysis, and they focus primarily on activism within social movements.…”

Identity affirmation and social movement support

“…Accordingly, social psychological research has uncovered the facilitative role of collective identification in mobilization for political action in various social movement contexts, including the women's movement, the older people's movement, the gay movement, the fat acceptance movement, the farmers' movement and right-wing political movements (e.g. De Weerd & Klandermans, 1999;Kelly & Breinlinger, 1996;Simon et al, 1998; for reviews, see Simon, 2004;Stürmer & Simon, 2004;Wright, 2001).…”

“…Accordingly, social psychological research has uncovered the facilitative role of collective identification in mobilization for political action in various social movement contexts, including the women's movement, the older people's movement, the gay movement, the fat acceptance movement, the farmers' movement and right-wing political movements (e.g. De Weerd & Klandermans, 1999;Kelly & Breinlinger, 1996;Simon et al, 1998; for reviews, see Simon, 2004;Stürmer & Simon, 2004;Wright, 2001).Although the motivation to support a social movement is rarely free from cost-benefit calculations revolving around more tangible interests of the individual and his or her group (Klandermans, 1997), recent research also indicates that collective identification possesses a unique mobilizing power over and above such calculative considerations (Simon, 2004;Stürmer & Simon, 2004). In a first attempt to uncover the psychological process underlying the mobilizing power of collective identification, Stürmer, Simon, Loewy and Jörger (2003) predicted and found that a sense of inner obligation to…”

The changing nature of labour protest: Comparing the fragmentation of protest rituals on May 1st in Berlin and Budapest

“…If the individual's expectations are high that it is possible to alter politics and have an impact on social structures, protest is more likely to occur. The same holds true for collective identities and feelings of belonging to certain groups or organisations; these might foster protest participation as well (Simon, B. et al 1998). Moreover, emotions also play an important role in the perception of protest events, for instance the degree to which one feels comfortable with the protest venue and form.…”