Group Identification and Political Protest

Abstract

After delineating differences between individual (social) & collective identities, ways that the two intersect in social movement participation via the process of group identification are examined, focusing on political protest movements. Conceptual discussion is borne out by empirical data collected over three interviews, 1993-1995, with 168 Dutch farmers who organized in protest against national & European Union agricultural policy. Some cognitive, behavioral, & sociodemographic determinants of group identification are identified & the relationship between group identification & preparation for/participation in protest activities is described. 5 Tables, 35 References. K. Hyatt Stewart