Social Mobilization in Contexts of Political Restriction: Integrating Theory, Research, and Practice

Abstract

The emergence of collective action in repressive political environments remains one of the most significant challenges in social science research. This study investigates the psychological and sociological factors influencing individuals' willingness to participate in organized resistance despite substantial personal risks. Integrating theories of social identity, relative deprivation, and network mobilization, the research explores how trust, perceived legitimacy, and community solidarity influence participation. The findings indicate that strong interpersonal relationships and shared grievances outweigh fear generated by authoritarian control. The study demonstrates that collective action results from dynamic interactions between individual motivations and broader social structures, providing insights for scholars examining political participation and social movements