Exploring statistical models to explain protest participation in Chile

Abstract

In the last decade, collective action has acquired a significant role in Chile. Social research has reacted with great interest before this scenario, and this can be verified in the profusion of studies focused in describing these movements and understanding their dynamics, prevailing the case studies and the utilization of qualitative methodologies. In this context, our objective is to explore a different research approach, focusing the problem of the determinant factors of the individual participation in protest events by using quantitative methodologies. The analysis of the data provided by the 2015 PNUD Human Development survey displays the results obtained in relation to the effect of four models about individual participation in social protests: Grievances, Relative Deprivation, Social Identity and Resource Mobilization. The findings point to the importance of the participation in organizations, the identification with social causes and with left-wing politics, the relevance of the age and the educational level. Additionally, the relation between incomes and participation in protests seems not to be lineal, showing to be significant in middle income segments. These results allow us to elaborate new questions and highlight the usefulness of incorporating these perspectives to the social movements’ studies field in Chile.