University of Sussex
Browse
VIGNOLES_Identity_Nov_2020.pdf (867.21 kB)

Social identification in collective climate activism: predicting participation in the environmental movement, extinction rebellion

Download (867.21 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 22:44 authored by Caitlin Furlong, Vivian VignolesVivian Vignoles
Human-induced climate change poses an unprecedented global threat. Researchers agree that dealing with climate change requires international collective action and widespread social transformation. This study integrates insights from the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA) and the Encapsulated Model of Social Identity in Collective Action (EMSICA) to explain participation in the environmental movement, Extinction Rebellion (XR). Structural equation models of data from a survey of 203 current or potential XR activists supported two identity-based pathways to collective action behavior and future intentions: moral convictions ? anger ? XR identification ? collective action and global identification ? participative efficacy ? XR identification ? collective action. Perceived group efficacy predicted collective action intentions but not behavior. Fear, guilt/shame, and hope did not significantly predict collective action behavior or intentions. We discuss the interplay of personal and social identity processes underlying climate change activism, as well as the need for longitudinal and experimental studies to disentangle causal relations. We propose that environmental campaign groups could foster group identification and thence collective action by communicating moral outrage about climate change, together with the potential efficacy of individuals’ actions toward achieving the group’s goals.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Identity

ISSN

1528-3488

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-01-13

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-12-28

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-01-12

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC