Our website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.
Home Opinion Why you might be more likely to turn up to a protest if others do

Why you might be more likely to turn up to a protest if others do

by Staff GBAF Publications Ltd

12 October 2021

The expected number of participants at a rally is the deciding factor in people’s willingness to participate in a protest, concludes new research from the University of Cologne.

Professor Christopher Roth found that contrary to common opinion, it is not the fact that opposing political groups incite each other at demonstrations that leads to an increased turnout.

For left-wing activists, they are 5.8% more likely to participate in a demonstration if there is an expected high turnout. This is because left-wing activists have stronger networks and are more likely to enjoy the event. They regard a protest as ‘fun’.

For right-wing activists, they are 6.1% more likely to participate in a demonstration if there is an expected small turnout.

This helps us to understand why it is that fringe groups gain power and why some fringe groups, for example right-wing ones, never die out.

‘People react differently depending on the political camp,’ Professor Roth says. ‘However, people’s willingness to demonstrate does not depend on how many people from the opposing side take to the streets.’

The study was based on two rallies in May 2018 and 2019 where researchers recruited 1,464 participants and interviewed them on their willingness to demonstrate. The study will appear in the American Political Science Review and is part of a series of publications.

For more information, a copy of the paper, or to speak to Professor Roth, contact Ariella Durban at BlueSky Education on [email protected] or call +44 (0)1582 790 706.

Recent Post