Identity, Collective Action and Inaction: The Role of Self-Esteem and Psychological Benefits

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretical framework of collective action that integrates three aspects of identity—social identity, moral convictions, and self-esteem. The paper explains how these identity aspects relate to each other and how they affect collective action or inaction. The paper presents a framework that returns to and focuses on the underlying cognitive motivations to engage in collective action while paying special attention to the mechanism of maintaining positive self-esteem and the benefits that people may gain from participation in collective action. These benefits explain both the personal incentives for action or inaction and the positive feedback loops of action on self-esteem which reinforce additional mobilization and explain why some individuals participate more than their peers. The framework draws from existing theories and empirical studies to formulate testable hypotheses and stresses the importance of studying both participants and non-participants of the same affected social group.