Reasons Why citizens Protest:
Protests are a common events in democratic countries as they allow citizens to exercise their right to free speech and peacefully express their dissent towards the government.
Some of the significant protests that have occurred in democratic countries over the past 10 years:
The Arab Spring (2010-2012): A series of pro-democracy protests and uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa which resulted in the overthrow of many authoritarian regimes.
Occupy Movement (2011): A global protest movement that started in New York City, focused on economic inequality, corporate greed, and political corruption.
Euromaidan protests (2013-2014): A series of protests in Ukraine that led to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych and the establishment of a pro-Western government.
Umbrella Revolution (2014): A pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong that demanded universal suffrage and greater autonomy from China.
Black Lives Matter (2013-present): A movement in the United States and other countries that protests against police brutality and systemic racism towards black people.
Yellow Vest Movement (2018-present): A series of protests in France that began over fuel tax increases but expanded to include broader issues of economic inequality and political corruption.
Protests against Indian Citizenship Amendment Act (2019): A series of protests across India against a new law that critics argue discriminates against Muslims.
George Floyd protests (2020): A series of protests in the United States and other countries over the killing of George Floyd by a police officer and broader issues of police brutality and systemic racism.
Myanmar coup protests (2021-present): A series of protests in Myanmar against the military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government and demanded the restoration of democracy.
5 Reasons why people protest in democracy
These protests are a reflection of the people’s desire for greater democracy, human rights, and social justice
There are many reasons why people participate in democracy protests, but here are five psychological reasons that might help explain why people engage in this type of political action:
Identification with a group:
Humans are social animals and are strongly influenced by the groups they belong to. In democracy protests, people often identify with a larger group of individuals who share their political beliefs and values. This sense of belonging may create a strong motivation to participate in the protest and stand up for the group’s collective interests.
Moral outrage:
People often take action when they perceive a violation of their moral principles or values. Democracy protests often arise when people feel that their rights and freedoms are being attacked, or that the government is acting unfairly or unjustly. This moral outrage can fuel a sense of urgency and a desire to take action.
Perception of injustice:
People are motivated to fight against perceived injustice and inequality. Democracy protests often arise when people believe that the government is corrupt or acting in the interests of a small elite rather than the general population. This perception of injustice can create a sense of frustration and anger, which can motivate people to take action.
Sense of empowerment:
Protesting can be empowering for people who feel that their voices are not being heard or that they lack influence in the political process. Participating in democracy protests can create a sense of agency and efficacy, which can be personally fulfilling and rewarding.
Sense of duty:
Some individuals feel a sense of duty or obligation to participate in democracy protests as a way to uphold democratic values and principles. This sense of duty can stem from a belief that it is important to hold the government accountable and to fight for the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
These are just a few of the psychological reasons why people participate in democracy protests. It’s important to note that people’s motivations for participating can be complex and multifaceted, and may vary depending on the individual and the specific political context.