Volition and Belongingness: Social Movements, Volition, Self-Esteem, and the Need to Belong
Social psychological research on the self is culled to develop some basic theoretical propositions about social movement participation. It is suggested that the self (1) consists of a cognitive structure based on reflexive consciousness & the capacity for self-awareness, (2) is defined by its social & interpersonal connections, & (3) actively makes choices, controls its own responses, & takes responsibility for its own actions. The importance of factor 2 in determining whether one joins & remains a participant in a social movement is discussed, focusing on the interaction between participation & the individual need to belong. The mediating effects of social conditions, charismatic movement leaders, & individual personality differences in attachment/belongingness are also explored. Contributions of factor 3, representing the self's executive function, volition, or agency, are explored using experimental data. It is concluded that a social movement's ability to attract &/or retain members may lie in how well it addresses their individual needs for belongingness or volition. 32 References. K. Hyatt Stewart