Activists (for human, animal and conservation causes) who are truly dedicated to their causes tend to sacrifice a great deal: personal safety, material comforts, interpersonal relationships, peace of mind and public standing. Clearly they are highly motivated and I am curious to know what motivates them. My hypothesis is that the beginnings of their activism lie in childhood influences.
Dear Maria,
"Has anyone researched the psychological motivations of activists?"
Yes, there is investigation on the issue you raise. You can proffit, for example, from reading the following book: Colby, A.,& Damon, W. (1992). Some do care: Contemporary lives of commitment. New York: Free Press.
Like the moral psychologist Augusto Blasi, I think that activists for human, animal and conservation cause are truly dedicated to their causes because they want to maintain their identity. Blasi's theory is even called self-identiy thory. They see no sacrifice when they engaged with human, animal, and environmental causes. Sacrifice, these moral exemplars tend to say, would be to remain quiet and do nothing. If this were the case, these moral exemplars would lose their self or identity. Your hypothesis that the beginnings of the above mentioned activism lies in childhood influences is only partly true. Partly, because young children are generally more concerned with their personal desires, needs, and wants than with moral and ethical concerns. In contrast to this, in moral examplars, their personal desires coincide with their moral and others-oriented concerns. They are moral, because if this were not the case, they would find, say, a fracture or an inconsistency in their selves and personalities.
Of course, this is a short answer to your interesting question.
Kind regards,
Orlando
Thank you so much Orlando. I will order the book you mention and also research Augusto Blasi's theory further. Fascinating!
kind regards,
Marie
Dear Marie,
I am happy to know that you are going to proffit from my suggestions.
Good luck for your research.
Kind regards,
Orlando
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