Small Group Research · 2002 · 277 citations · 32 references
Social SciencesSocial PsychologySociologyCollective BehaviorPolitical ParticipationSocial MovementsActivismMobilization ProcessesMovement ParticipationProtest ParticipationSocial Movement ParticipationSocial Movement TheoryAffective Factors In MotivationCollective Action TheoryInternet ActivismOnline Collective ActionOnline Community MobilizationOnline Political MobilizationOnline Protest ParticipationSubjective Relative Deprivation
The study investigated motives for online versus offline collective action among Dutch environmental activists, offering empirical insight into how the Internet shapes collective action motives and peripheral member participation. A 738‑person sample of activists, sympathizers, and nonactivists was analyzed with structural equation modeling to test whether online activism is predicted by different mobilization factors—identification, relative deprivation, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived efficacy, and self‑efficacy—than offline activism. Online activism was slightly more driven by cognitive efficacy and less by affective identification than offline actions, highlighting the Internet’s popularity and its capacity to support collective activities that transcend individual participation.
Motives to participate in online versus offline collective action were investigated among environmental activists in the Netherlands. A sample (N = 738) consisting of activists, sympathizers, and nonactivists, reported past and intended participation in online and offline activism. Using structural equation modeling, it was examined whether online activism was predicted by different factors than offline activism. A wide range of predictors was derived from central theories about mobilization and collective action, including identification, relative deprivation, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived efficacy of action, and self-efficacy. Results show that when compared with offline actions, participation in online actions was slightly more motivated by cognitive calculations (efficacy) and less by affective factors (identification). Moreover, results reflect the popularity and potential of the Internet for activities that surpass the individual. This research gives an empirical insight in the influence of Internet on motives for collective action and on the participation of peripheral members.
32