A Double-Edged Sword: Unintended Consequences of Activists’ Repression-Management Strategies

• In Event: Social Movements & Policing

Abstract

Following experiences of state repression, as well as in anticipation in state repression, activists develop a range of strategies to protect themselves and help sustain their participation and the participation of others, as already discussed. While these strategies can be effective in promoting back-fire and discouraging deterrence in response to repression, they also often have unintended consequences. For example, a sacrifice-based all-consuming activist identity serves important functions, but also leads to burn-out, shame, and exclusivity. Security culture and precautions against infiltration and surveillance may provide some protection, but also undermines inclusivity, broad movement building, and trust. After detailing these unintended consequences, I describe the ways that activists attempt to limit these costs or to balance the trade-offs of engaging in these repression-management strategies and provide recommendations.

Author

• Heidi Reynolds-Stenson, University of Arizona