The Mobilizing Power of Grievances: Applying Loss Aversion and Omission Bias to Social Movements

Bergstrand, Kelly. 2014. “The Mobilizing Power of Grievances: Applying Loss Aversion and Omission Bias to Social Movements.” Mobilization: An International Quarterly 19(2): 123-142.

45 Pages Posted: 4 Mar 2016

See all articles by Kelly Bergstrand

Kelly Bergstrand

University of Texas at Arlington - Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Date Written: 2014

Abstract

This study investigates how the nature of grievances can confer advantages or disadvantages to social movements. I use an experimental design to test the effects of loss aversion and omission bias on people’s reactions toward grievances and the campaigns that seek to address them. The results indicate that grievances involving a loss are perceived as more immoral, unjust, and important than grievances involving a gain. Loss-based grievances also generate stronger emotions, increase willingness to engage in activism, and produce perceptions of greater public support. Similarly, grievances resulting from a commission (action), as compared to an omission (inaction), are seen as more immoral, unjust, and important. Commission-based grievances direct attribution of blame toward perpetrators, evoke higher levels of emotions, and increase willingness to participate in campaigns. These findings provide support for the idea that not all grievances are created equal in their ability to appeal to and potentially mobilize the public.

Keywords: social movements, grievances

Suggested Citation

Bergstrand, Kelly, The Mobilizing Power of Grievances: Applying Loss Aversion and Omission Bias to Social Movements (2014). Bergstrand, Kelly. 2014. “The Mobilizing Power of Grievances: Applying Loss Aversion and Omission Bias to Social Movements.” Mobilization: An International Quarterly 19(2): 123-142., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2741296

Kelly Bergstrand (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Arlington - Department of Sociology and Anthropology ( email )

Box 19599 / 430 University Hall
601 S. Nedderman Drive
Arlington, TX 76019
United States

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