On the preconditions for large-scale collective action

Abstract

The phenomenon of collective action and the origin of collective action problems have been extensively and systematically studied in the social sciences. Yet, while we have substantial knowledge about the factors promoting collective action at the local level, we know far less about how these insights travel to large-scale collective action problems. Such problems, however, are at the heart of humanity's most pressing challenges, including climate change, large-scale natural resource depletion, biodiversity loss, nuclear proliferation, antibiotic resistance due to overconsumption of antibiotics, and pollution. In this paper, we suggest an analytical framework that captures the theoretical understanding of preconditions for largescale collective action. This analytical framework aims at supporting future empirical analyses of how to cope with and overcome larger-scale collective action problems. More specifically, we (i) define and describe the main characteristics of a large-scale collective action problem and (ii) explain why voluntary and, in particular, spontaneous large-scale collective action among individual actors becomes more improbable as the collective action problem becomes larger, thus demanding interventions by an external authority (a third party) for such action to be generated. Based on this, we (iii) outline an analytical framework that illustrates the connection between third-party interventions and largescale collective action. We conclude by suggesting avenues for future research.

Governing for sustainability: How research on large and complex systems can inform governance and institutional theory

“…For example, although research on collective action and the factors fostering such actions has made impressive progress as regards coordination and collective action at the small or local scale, our understanding of collective action in respect to large-scale, and more complex, problems is seriously underdeveloped (Jagers et al, 2019).…”

“…Yet, as the defining characteristics of the problems change-for example, more actors get involved, the geographical distance between the involved parties grow, or the temporal delays between actions and consequences of those actions increase-informal mechanisms become less effective. This in turn accentuates the need for complementary mechanisms and institutions that can help actors overcome the cooperation and coordination problems they face (Jagers et al, 2019). One way in which research on complex systems could contribute to mainstream governance research and institutional theory would hence be to focus on how defining characteristics of collective action problems-as well as of the mechanisms that follow-make some potential solutions to collective action problems more or less effective.…”

Volunteer beach cleanups: civic environmental stewardship combating global plastic pollution

“…Krasny's (2018) three pathways align with theory from the literature on scaling up collective action. For example, Jagers et al (2019) suggest that addressing complex, larger-scale collective action problems, where actors cannot directly monitor each other's actions or anticipate other's decisions, requires "cognitive, coordinative, normative, and informational guidance" (p. 3). While they recommend this come from third-party organizations, we see parallels between the need for "cognitive" and "informational" guidance and the pathway of knowledge building; while "normative" guidance suggests a parallel to culture building.…”

“…While they recommend this come from third-party organizations, we see parallels between the need for "cognitive" and "informational" guidance and the pathway of knowledge building; while "normative" guidance suggests a parallel to culture building. These marshaled together, according to Jagers et al (2019), contribute to larger-scale collective action, or what Krasny (2018) refers to as the movement-building pathway.…”

Potential conflicts between ownership rights and environmental protection: Swedish undergraduate students’ views

“…While we have knowledge of factors promoting collective action at the local level, less is known about collective action at large scale. Jagers et al (2019) address this problem and write, Such problems are at the heart of humanity's most pressing challenges, including climate change, large-scale natural resource depletion, biodiversity loss, nuclear proliferation, antibiotic resistance due to overconsumption of antibiotics, and pollution (p. 3).…”