New Study Explains Why Protesters Vanished Before Elections
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A new study reveals that personal threats to identity and self-esteem, rather than just political agreement or belief in success, drive people to protest. The research, analyzing pre-war demonstrations, found that sustained participation depends on personal meaning and value alignment. This psychological aspect helps explain why protests have quieted down as elections approach, with voting now seen as the primary action.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Protester motivation stems from personal threats to identity and values, not just political agreement.
- Protest participation boosts self-esteem, creating a sense of meaning and belonging.
- Long-term protest commitment relies on personal meaning and value alignment, not just belief in success.
- A new study published in Maariv explains the recent decline in public demonstrations.
- The research analyzed anti-government protests from 2023 before the current war.
As Israeli elections approach, the streets, once filled with large-scale protests, have become notably quiet. A new study, published for the first time by Maariv, investigates the motivations behind public demonstrations and what drives individuals to persist in protesting.
The study examined the anti-government protests against the "judicial revolution" that occurred in 2023, prior to the outbreak of war. It analyzed two surveys: one with 1,135 participants, distinguishing between those who protested and those who did not, and another with 1,514 protesters, differentiating between frequent and occasional attendees.
Key findings indicate that mere agreement with protest goals is insufficient to explain participation. A significant factor is the personal threat individuals perceive to their self-identity, values, and core beliefs. When people feel their very being is under attack, public action becomes a personal matter, not just a political stance.
Furthermore, the research highlights the link between protest and self-esteem. Participation boosts feelings of meaning, belonging, and self-efficacy, contributing to a positive self-image. Conversely, refraining from protest can lead to negative self-feelings, strengthening the urge to act.
While belief in the protest's ability to influence outcomes initially motivates people to join, it does not explain long-term persistence. Enduring involvement is more closely tied to the personal meaning derived from participation, identity reinforcement, and alignment with one's values. Professor Shultzer told Maariv that the research suggests viewing protests not just as political actions but as psychologically and personally significant, allowing individuals to express their identity and act according to their conscience.
The study suggests these findings can explain the decline in protests, alongside the ongoing war and national grief since October 7, 2023. Just as the "Hostages Square" protests concluded after the return of hostages, anti-government demonstrations may have become less relevant as elections neared, with voting becoming the primary action for opponents of the outgoing coalition. The impetus for street protests is expected to return after the elections if significant political factions find themselves in opposition.
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