The influence of subjective socioeconomic status on inclination to offline collective action: a sequential mediation framework of group relative deprivation and online collective behavioral intentions

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of subjective socioeconomic status (SES) on the inclination towards collective action among college students while exploring the mediating roles of group relative deprivation and intentions of online collective behavior. A sample of 250 undergraduate students from diverse Chinese universities participated in a survey, anonymously completing measures of subjective SES, group relative deprivation, intention of online collective behavior, and intention of offline collective action. Utilizing Model 6 of the SPSS PROCESS macro, the data was analyzed to examine sequential mediation effects. Results indicate a significant negative predictive relationship between SES and offline collective behavior intention (β=-0.843, p<0.001). Mediation analysis reveals a sequential mediating mechanism, with SES exerting an indirect effect on offline collective behavior dispositions through group relative deprivation (β=-0.423, p<0.001), further influencing the intention of online collective behavior (β=0.657, p<0.01). The sequential mediation model explains 21.9% of the total effect. This study contributes to understanding the complex mechanisms underlying the impact of subjective SES on collective action intentions, emphasizing the importance of considering subjective perceptions in predicting collective behavior. These findings have implications for theoretical frameworks and practical interventions aimed at fostering collective action in various societal contexts.