Discontent, Resources, and Social Networks: A Meta-Analysis of Protest Participation

• In Event: 3451 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Refereed Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 9. Participation

Abstract

Protest marches and demonstrations can be dramatic, contentious and large-scale events. News coverage of these events raise questions about who participates and why they do so. Using meta-analysis techniques, this paper investigates which theories of protest in the literature find the greatest support in explaining an individual’s participation in marches and demonstrations. The analysis focuses on 36 variables organized along three dimensions: discontent, resources, and networks. We use 60 studies and almost 1000 tests of predictors of protest participation. We identify strong evidence supporting the importance of education and its correlates, as well as the importance of social networks. These findings challenge preconceived notions and media depictions about who protests and why they choose to do so.

Authors

• Shelley J. Boulianne, MacEwan University

• Lauren Copeland, Baldwin Wallace University

• Ada Chase Bemis, Baldwin Wallace University