The role of emotions in social movement participation : a comparative case study of animal rights and welfare activists in the UK and US

Abstract

The aims of this research are to explore the role of emotions in social movements, specifically the dynamic properties of emotions and the various ways in which they can provoke, sustain, or end activism. The case studies involved animal rights and welfare groups in the UK and US. The concept of emotions is one which has come to the fore in recent years as part of the 'cultural turn,’ but it still suffers from unclear definitions and the remnants of stigma. In this thesis I propose to study emotions by focusing on their role as activators, part of protestors agency and intrinsically linked to their thoughts and actions. To do so I look at the 'life cycle’ of activism and the various roles played by the difference emotions inherent in each stage growing interest, finding likeminded others, joining a group, the process of bonding, the establishment of ties, then the eventual dissolution or constant reaffirmation of identification as an activist. By exploring the part played by emotions in these various stages, we can better understand the motivations and experience of those involved, in order to broaden our understanding of social movement participation more widely.