Politicized Collective Identity: Collective Identity and Political Protest

Abstract

Despite the vast literature on the subject, theory, and empirical evidence regarding the role of collective identity for political protest remains underdeveloped. Some elements of the theory of collective identity and political protest are proposed. Key concepts such as personal and collective identity, identity salience and strength, and politicized collective identity are presented. In addition, some identity processes are conceptualized: politicization of collective identity, the causal relationship between collective identity and protest participation, and the interplay of multiple identities. Illustrative evidence from a study among farmers in Galicia (Spain) and the Netherlands, and among South African citizens is provided.

Citation

Klandermans, B. (2005), "Politicized Collective Identity: Collective Identity and Political Protest", Thye, S.R. and Lawler, E.J. (Ed.) Social Identification in Groups (Advances in Group Processes, Vol. 22), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 155-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0882-6145(05)22006-4