From Marginalization to Mobilization: Identity as a Mechanism for Collective Action

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Department

Political Science, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Nathan Griffith

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

Why do some groups mobilize in response to oppression while others suffer in silence? Existing theories explain parts of this puzzle: rational choice models predict non-participation, social identity theory highlights solidarity; and social-psychological research reveals powerful barriers to action. These frameworks generally assume Western, individualist contexts and overlook collective identities and how repression shapes communities. I argue that identity-based mobilization occurs only when three conditions align: political entrepreneurs reframe incentives to activate shared identity and decrease psychological barriers. To evaluate this claim, I constructed a cross-national dataset of identity groups introducing varied cultural contexts, coding for political entrepreneurship, identity saliency, cultural orientation, and mobilization outcomes (N=51). The results of the binary logistic regression model indicate that political entrepreneurship is a strong predictor for identity groups engaging in mobilization. Increased identity saliency and lower psychological barriers were not statistically significant predictors for mobilization in this dataset. These findings suggest that leadership and organization may be more imperative than identity or psychological readiness alone. By integrating political process theory and rational choice with social identity scholarship, this study advances an alternative explanation for when marginalized identity groups transition from grievance to collective action.

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