A Social Psychology of Protest: Individuals in Action

Protest is rare behavior, but the first decade of the twenty-first century has been named the era of protest. Successful protests require demand, supply, and mobilization. Motivation to participate can be instrumental, expressive, and identity driven, and politicized collective identity plays an important role in the dynamics of collective action. This volume brings together insights from social psychology, political psychology, sociology, and political science to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of protest participation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Protest is a rare phenomenon, yet the first decade of the twenty-first century has been hailed as the era of protest. Successful protests often lead to large-scale gatherings of people on the streets, and the advent of social media has profoundly transformed the process of mobilization. The key ingredients for a successful protest include a compelling demand (grievances, anger, and indignation), organized protest organizations, and effective communication networks. Motivation to participate in protests can stem from various factors, including instrumental reasons, expressive motivations, and identity-driven desires. Moreover, politicized collective identity plays a significant role in the dynamics of collective action.

This volume brings together insights from social psychology, political psychology, sociology, and political science to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of protest participation, particularly focusing on the question of why some individuals choose to protest while others do not. It is an essential resource for scholars interested in the social and political psychology of individuals in action.

The emergence of social media has had a profound impact on the nature and dynamics of protests. Social media platforms have provided a powerful tool for organizing and mobilizing people, enabling individuals to connect and share information quickly and easily. This has facilitated the formation of protest movements and the spread of information about injustices and social issues.

However, the use of social media has also brought challenges and complexities to the process of protest. On the one hand, social media can amplify the voices of marginalized communities and promote greater awareness and visibility of social issues. On the other hand, it can also contribute to the polarization of society and the spread of misinformation.

One of the key challenges facing protest movements in the age of social media is the need to effectively communicate their message and engage with a wider audience. Social media algorithms and filters can limit the reach of protest messages, making it difficult for them to reach a broader audience. This can be particularly challenging for smaller protest movements or those that are focused on niche issues.

To overcome this challenge, protest movements need to adopt innovative communication strategies that leverage the power of social media. This can include using targeted advertising, creating engaging content, and leveraging the influence of social media influencers. It can also involve using social media to organize and mobilize people in real-time, using tools such as hashtags and live streaming to create a sense of urgency and momentum.

Another challenge facing protest movements in the age of social media is the need to maintain a sense of unity and coherence among their members. Social media can create divisions and tensions within protest movements, as individuals may have different perspectives and priorities. This can be particularly challenging for larger protest movements that are composed of diverse groups with different interests and goals.

To address this challenge, protest movements need to prioritize building strong relationships and trust among their members. This can include fostering a sense of shared purpose and values, providing opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. It can also involve developing effective leadership structures that can ensure that the voices of all members are heard and that the movement remains focused on its goals.

In conclusion, the first decade of the twenty-first century has been characterized by a surge in protest activity, driven by a range of social, political, and economic factors. Social media has played a significant role in shaping the nature and dynamics of protests, providing a powerful tool for organizing and mobilizing people. However, the use of social media has also brought challenges and complexities to the process of protest, including the need to effectively communicate with a wider audience, maintain a sense of unity and coherence among members, and navigate the challenges posed by social media algorithms and filters. By adopting innovative communication strategies and building strong relationships and trust among members, protest movements can continue to play a vital role in shaping society and promoting social change.

ISBN-13: 9781316630839