The Psychology and Sociology of Collective Action Under Repressive Systems

Abstract

Collective action under repressive systems presents a complex interplay of psychological resilience, social identity, and structural constraints. This study examines how individuals and groups mobilize despite surveillance, censorship, and political repression. Drawing upon psychological theories of motivation, perceived injustice, and collective efficacy alongside sociological perspectives on social networks and resource mobilization, the research develops an integrated framework for understanding resistance in authoritarian contexts. The findings suggest that shared identity, emotional solidarity, and trusted communication networks significantly increase participation in collective action while reducing the deterrent effects of repression. The study contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship by highlighting the mechanisms through which individuals transform fear into coordinated social action, offering valuable implications for understanding civic engagement and social change under restrictive political environments.