Resisting Genocidal Violence: the Collective Action Problem and Rescue Efforts in Rwanda

• In Event: 474 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 06. Getting Involved, Staying Involved

Abstract

In the spring of 1994, violence swept across the small East African country of Rwanda and claimed the lives of up to one million people. Since then, the 1994 Rwandan genocide has become known for civilians’ widespread participation in killings, lootings, and rapes. While scholars have made significant strides in understanding those who participated in the violence, this article examines civilians who instead risked their own lives to protect potential victims. Drawing upon the testimonies of Rwandan rescuers, we ask: Why did Rwandans choose to resist genocidal violence and save persecuted individuals? More broadly, we ask what social factors facilitate individuals risking their lives for the common good? This article provides insight into what sociologists have termed, the Collective Action Problem (CAP)- the persistent question of what makes collective action possible. For situations arise when not acting is more advantageous than acting, yet rational social actors still choose to engage in actions for a common good. We argue that theories regarding why people participate in high-risk collective action can be applied to the study of rescuers and illustrate how biographical availability, socialization, and social ties influenced participation in rescue efforts during the genocide in Rwanda. In doing so, we illustrate how social movement theory can extend scholarship on rescue during genocide—which has largely focused on the psychological characteristics—and suggest that extending these theories to the case of rescuers can simultaneously test their scope conditions.

Authors

• Nicole Fox, University of New Hampshire

• Hollie Nyseth Brehm, The Ohio State University