Saturday 25 July 09:50
- 11:20
Hall: 19 - Room 16 SPT
Chair:
Livi Stefano
Co-Chair:
Giacomantonio Mauro
Division: Division 3: Psychology and Societal Development
In contemporary societies, extremism and collective action represent critical yet intertwined phenomena shaping political, social, and ideological landscapes. While extremism often manifests in radicalized beliefs and behaviors that challenge societal norms, collective action serves as a mechanism for social change, mobilizing individuals around shared grievances. This symposium examines the psychological, social, and structural underpinnings of both extremism and collective action, exploring factors such as identity fusion, relative deprivation, and the role of virtual environments in fostering group mobilization. Empirical research highlights how grievances—whether personal or collective—fuel ideological extremism and how digital tools, including virtual reality, may enhance participatory engagement in social movements. By integrating findings from diverse cultural contexts, this discussion underscores the need for nuanced interventions that address both the risks of radicalization and the potential for constructive collective action. Recognizing the dual nature of group mobilization as both a driver of extremism and a force for positive societal change is essential for developing evidence-based strategies that promote resilience against ideological violence while fostering inclusive and democratic activism
