seminar 8 Flashcards
What is Collective Action?
Collective action refers to efforts made by individuals, acting as members of a group, to achieve a common goal, often in a political context to bring about social, political, or economic change.
What does the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA) suggest?
The model suggests that collective action is influenced by social identity, the perception of injustice, and belief in the ability to enact change.
What are the three key determinants of collective action according to the Social Identity Model of Collective Action?
Identification with the social group
Perception of a lack of justice/fairness
Belief in collective efficacy
How does social identity impact collective action in the Social Identity Model of Collective Action?
Individuals are more likely to engage in collective action when they strongly identify with a social group, feel injustice, and believe that collective efforts can lead to change.
What are the three elements that shape social identity, according to Social Identity Theory?
Permeability of group boundaries
Legitimacy of intergroup relations
Stability of groups
How do rigid group boundaries influence collective action in the context of Social Identity Theory?
Rigid group boundaries increase the likelihood of collective action because individuals may feel more motivated to act when they cannot easily “leave” the group.
Why is the legitimacy of intergroup relations important for collective action?
If the unequal relationship between groups is seen as legitimate, individuals are less likely to take action. However, if the inequality is viewed as unjust, collective action is more likely.
How does group stability influence collective action, according to Social Identity Theory?
If group differences are perceived as unstable or unjustified, collective action becomes more likely because people believe change is possible.
What is Relative Deprivation Theory and how does it relate to collective action?
Relative deprivation refers to the perception of being deprived compared to others. When individuals feel worse off than similar groups, they are more likely to engage in collective action.
How does group-based deprivation differ from individual-based deprivation?
Group-based deprivation refers to the perception that the entire group is deprived (e.g., women as a group facing lower wages), which is a key motivator for collective action, whereas individual-based deprivation is focused on personal circumstances.
What is the difference between distributive fairness and procedural fairness?
Distributive fairness concerns the equitable distribution of outcomes (e.g., resources or rewards), while procedural fairness involves the fairness of the decision-making process.
How do emotions like anger play a role in collective action?
Group-level emotions, such as anger over perceived injustice, can serve as powerful catalysts for collective action, motivating individuals to participate in social movements.
What does Resource Mobilization Theory suggest about collective action?
Resource Mobilization Theory views collective action as a rational strategy to achieve group goals by mobilizing resources like money, information, and supporters.
What is the concept of collective efficacy in collective action?
Collective efficacy refers to the belief that a group has the power to achieve change. People are more likely to engage in collective action when they believe their efforts will succeed.
What is Social Justification Theory and how does it affect collective action?
Social Justification Theory explains that people may defend the status quo because it satisfies social needs like maintaining stability. Exposure to stereotypes justifying inequalities (e.g., “poor but happy”) can reduce anger and suppress motivation for collective action.
