Study Explains Decline in Israeli Protests Ahead of Elections
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
A study by Professor Doron Shultziner reveals that Israeli protests have diminished ahead of elections because participation is driven by perceived threats to personal values, not just political agreement. The research, conducted during the 2023 judicial reform protests, found that sustained involvement requires personal significance and alignment with identity. While the war and public fatigue also contribute to the decline, the upcoming elections offer an alternative political tool, suggesting protests may re-emerge post-election based on the results.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli protests have declined ahead of elections due to a perceived threat to personal values, a study found.
- Professor Doron Shultziner's research indicates personal identity and beliefs are key drivers for sustained protest participation.
- The ongoing war and public fatigue also contribute to the reduced scale of demonstrations.
- Elections offer an alternative political tool for opponents, potentially reducing the need for street protests.
- Protest activity may increase again after the elections, depending on the outcome.
- The study surveyed over 2,600 individuals during the 2023 judicial reform protests.
A new study by Professor Doron Shultziner suggests that participation in protests is driven not only by political views but also by a perceived threat to personal values. As Israel approaches parliamentary elections, anti-government protests have become less frequent, despite years of activism by opponents of the current coalition. The research, published in the journal Current Psychology, analyzed factors influencing people's decisions to protest.
Shultziner's research involved two studies conducted during the 2023 protests against judicial reform. The first surveyed 1,135 individuals, while the second examined 1,514 protesters to differentiate between regular and infrequent participants. Findings indicated that simply agreeing with protest goals is insufficient; a perception of personal threat to one's values, beliefs, and identity is crucial. Protesting becomes a way to defend principles rather than just express a political stance.
Furthermore, the study found that protest activity positively impacts self-esteem, fostering a sense of belonging, perceived significance, and alignment with personal beliefs. Conversely, refraining from protest can lead to internal dissatisfaction, motivating action. While the belief that protests can effect change may prompt initial participation, sustained involvement hinges on the personal significance of the issue, its connection to identity, and the feeling of acting in accordance with one's convictions.
The research offers a new perspective on the reduced protest activity in Israel, attributing it not only to the ongoing war, public grief, and fatigue but also to the upcoming elections, which offer an alternative means of political change. The study posits that as elections draw nearer, participation in the electoral process becomes a primary tool for opponents of the government, potentially overshadowing the need for street demonstrations. However, the decline in protests does not necessarily signify a decrease in public discontent. Shultziner suggests that protest readiness is linked to the perceived threat to values and the sense of purpose in one's actions, implying that protest activity could surge again after the elections, depending on the results and the resulting political landscape.
