Our Own Way: Determinants of New forms of Social Protest among College Students

• In Event: 022 - Student Forum Paper Session. Identity, Meaning Making, and Movement

Abstract

This paper examines the changing trends that result in new forms of social movement and activism among college students. Specifically, we ask what demographic factors predict participation in both online activism and ethical consumption among millennials. Additionally, we consider factors that might drive students to participate in these new forms of activism such as previous activism, participation in voluntary associations, and parental influence. A total of 652 students were surveyed at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and were asked to take a survey that questioned what avenues are of the most influence to the student pertaining to consumption choices and movement practices. We find that millennial participation in new forms of activism does not fit the demographic profile of older generations. Their participation appears linked to motivating factors that would likely support increased civic involvement. These findings contribute to the social movement literature on new activism by isolating millennial participation and offering plausible connections between new forms and various motivating factors.

Authors

• Jerome M Hendricks, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Anna Colaner, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Jenny Calero, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Rosemarie Dominguez, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Sherren Lewis, University of Illinois-Chicago