A New Generation of Ukrainians into Political Activism from 2000- 2014

• In Event: 106 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 09. Mobilization and Politicization

Abstract

I present “The Ukraine Without Kuchma,” Orange Revolution and Euromaidan protests initiated by individual (s) relying on their own personal networks to coordinate a social movement. This research examines these individuals and their practices to understand the conditions that led them to adopt an activist role in a political climate of stalled reforms and corruption in the Ukrainian government. Individuals in the post-Communist Ukraine were more likely to have less trust in public institutions and to depend more on personal, friend networks or associations than the government (Rose-Ackerman, 2001). This had a demobilizing effect on a citizen’s sense of capacity to effect social change. Therefore, the emergence of any individual to become an activist and involved in protest movements was a remarkable feat. This study places greater attention on the social transformation processes of an individual into activism in Ukraine. This approach considers actor reflexivity on politicization processes that are reflected in “personal storytelling” (Lichteman). These personal narratives are expressions of “…activists who see themselves as bearing their own, highly personalized commitments…” (Lichteman, 1996, p. 78). {THIS PRESENTATION WILL BE BASED ON A NEW BOOK PUBLICATION ON UKRAINE WITH ROUTLEDGE UK DUE EARLY 2017 FOR PRINT).

Author

• Christine M. Emeran