Tag: political identity paradox
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The Political Identity Paradox (Beautiful Trouble – Essay 7)
This is an adapted version of an earlier, longer article by the same title, which was part of series on evolutionary logics of collective action. Any serious social movement needs a correspondingly serious group identity that encourages a core of members to contribute an exceptional level of commitment, sacrifice and heroics over the course of…
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#OccupyWallStreet & the Political Identity Paradox
Download this post as a printable PDF Strong group identity is essential for social movements. There can be no serious social movement—the kind that challenges the powerful and privileged—without a correspondingly serious group identity that encourages a core of members to contribute an exceptional level of commitment, sacrifice and heroics over the course of prolonged…
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Bonding & Bridging | Populism & Hegemony pt.3
This is the third post in a series. Strong group identity is something of a double-edged sword for social justice movements. On the one hand—as discussed in part one of this series—it is absolutely essential. There can be no serious social movement—the kind that challenges the powerful and privileged—without a correspondingly serious group identity that…
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The Political Identity Paradox | Evolutionary logic of collective action pt.III
Why do grassroots political organizations sometimes implode right at the peak of their success? This post examines the double-edged sword of highly cohesive political group identities and explores how to build vibrant campaigns while avoiding going (too) crazy… natural born people pleasers Imagine yourself a gazelle in a herd of gazelles. Aw snap, here comes…
Jonathan Matthew Smucker 