The Social Structure of Moral Outrage in Recruitment to the U.S. Central America Peace Movement
19 February 2020
Details
Authors: Nepstad, Sharon, E. & Smith, Christian
Date of Publication: 2001
Publication: Jeff Goodwin, J. M Jasper. And Francesca Polletta, 2001: “Passionate Politics: Emotions and Social movements” P. 158-174 Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Purpose of the study
Key questions
What kind of emotional commitment is needed to radicalize/be mobilized to violent/high risk action?
Design of the study
Approach
The study is based on interviews and fieldwork
Where
US and South America
Topic
This study is about the “emotional context” for mobilization and radicalization to action.
Key findings
This study proposes that moral outrage was a logical emotional response to information about human rights abuses and atrocities in Central America. Structural factors were central in determining who had access to credible sources of information that formed the basis of this moral outrage. Yet this information did not lead to the same emotional reaction by all U.S. citizens. One's values and identity shape the way the information is perceived and the degree of importance placed upon responding to the situation. Facing human suffering, either by one’s own experience or through your trusted social network, triggers a felt personal obligation to take action. Emotional reactions must be seen as the result of an interactive process of information, culture, organizational and relational ties, and identity.
Reviewer's Notes
Key words: moral outrage, mobilization, radicalization, political violence