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Protests can be perceived as controversial or irrational forms of political expression. A recent World Values Survey (2017–2022) revealed that a significant portion of the population—28.6% of Canadians and 27.7% of Americans—indicated they would never attend a peaceful demonstration under any circumstances.
This sentiment, however, is often rooted in a feeling of powerlessness. Many citizens feel limited in their ability to influence government decisions outside of voting periods, which can lead to frustration about their elected representatives’ actions.
This context helps to explain the large turnouts at protests against policies from leaders like Donald Trump, including tariffs and controversial policy decisions. While some suggest that contacting political leaders through emails, phone calls, or letters could serve as effective advocacy, such methods often lack the visibility required to capture broader public attention. In contrast, protests can galvanize large groups of people, creating a visible statement that resonates with both citizens and policymakers alike.
Protests play an essential role in democratic societies by providing a collective channel for citizens to voice their concerns. These events can draw in millions of participants, which greatly surpasses the opportunities for public opinion polling or official government consultations.
Perceptions of Effectiveness
When considering whether to participate in a protest, feelings of anger, grievances, and overall discontent play important roles. However, these emotions alone may not spur action. An individual’s sense of perceived injustice and the belief that their participation could effectively influence political leaders are also crucial motivators.
In a 2019 online survey conducted across four countries—the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and France—respondents rated the perceived effectiveness of street marches and demonstrations. Results indicated a consistency in views across these nations, where those who believed in the efficacy of protests were significantly more likely to have participated in demonstrations over the preceding year.
Who Protests and Why?
The choice to engage in protest activities is influenced by a variety of factors, including social connections and perceptions about the potential impact of public demonstrations.
Individuals are more likely to attend protests if they are invited by peers, which often depends on their social networks and affiliations with organizations that promote activism. This social dimension can be as critical, if not more so, than individual feelings of frustration.
Research indicates that political engagement is often more prominent among individuals who lean left, a trend historically observed in the U.S. However, contemporary findings suggest that both conservative and liberal individuals may partake in protests depending on the issues at hand. For instance, liberals have generally focused on social justice issues such as racism, whereas conservatives have recently mobilized against COVID-19 restrictions.
Paying Attention
It is crucial to concentrate on the level of political interest rather than simply the left-right ideological divide. Active engagement with current events and government actions is essential for individuals to form opinions about the effectiveness of protests.
Recent demonstrations, such as the Hands Off protests, have seen participation from citizens discontented with Trump’s policies, including tariffs and the laying off of thousands of federal employees, the dismantling of the Department of Education, and changes to immigration enforcement. These protests are part of a larger cycle of activism reminiscent of the protests that occurred in 2017 post-Trump’s election.
To fully understand participation in public protests, it is important to consider individual social ties, beliefs regarding the effectiveness of activism, and the extent of political awareness among the populace.
Source
phys.org