Rebel's Dilemma: An Evaluation of Collective Action (From International Terrorism: Policy Implications, P 177-189, 1991, Susan Flood, ed. -- See NCJ-132889)

• NCJ Number: 132903
• Author(s): M Lichbach
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Reasons why individuals participate in collective dissent are examined, and core political behaviors such as civil disobedience, protests, demonstrations, marches, sit-ins, and riots are discussed.

Abstract

Collective refers to individuals who participate in group activity. Dissent means that individual objectives are to change government institutions, policies, or personnel and that interest groups employ physical coercion or illegal tactics. Deprived actor theories have suggested that many specific psychological processes, both cognitive and emotional, turn deprivation into dissent. Four assumptions characterize collective action research: (1) individuals are utility maximizers who evaluate outcomes of various possible actions; (2) political demands are typically for outcomes in the interest of the public good; (3) the group of potential sympathizers can be very large; and (4) large groups have the power to affect government policy, but each individual's contribution has no discernible impact on group success. People participate in collective action for various reasons. Sympathizers will participate if they receive something contingent on their participation, if leaders arise who create organizations to pool resources, and if well-financed outsiders or patrons subsidize the costs of participation. Sympathizers will also participate if they can be sure their participation will be reciprocated and if they are altruistic and attach value to self-actualizing political experiences. 7 references and 1 exhibit