Explaining a Rare Null Relationship Between Group Identification and Social Protest Through a Relational Form of Coping With Low Group Status

Authors

  • Martijn van Zomeren
    Heymans Institute for Psychological Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
  • Nella Susilani
    Heymans Institute for Psychological Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
  • Simin Berend
    Heymans Institute for Psychological Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands

Abstract

Primary and meta-analytic research strongly suggests that group identification motivates disadvantaged group members for social protest to achieve social change. However, most studies on social protest are conducted in contexts that are already conducive to this positive relationship (i.e., conditions of hope and scope for social change). Two studies of Indonesian ethnic minority group members’ coping with low group status add to this literature by testing (a) whether group identification motivated social protest in a cultural context in which group identity is valued while hope and scope for social change are lacking, and (b) alternatively, whether individuals engage in a relational form of coping that revolves around seeking shelter in social relationships to protect well-being. In both studies (N = 80 and N = 132), we predicted and found a rare null correlation between group identification and social protest, and rather strong support that coping with low group status revolved around seeking shelter in social relationships. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for identity management and relationship regulation processes in contexts that lack hope and scope for social protest to achieve social change.