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Integrating Attachment Theory into the Model of Belonging, Individual differences, Life experiences, and Interaction Sustaining Engagement (MOBILISE): Explaining Pathways of Collective Action

Objective

Collective action is central to democratic life, yet movements differ dramatically. Some build broad coalitions, while others polarize, fragment, or fade away. Immigration is a striking example: policies and events have inspired mass demonstrations in defense of migrant rights, counter-mobilizations for stricter enforcement, and widespread disengagement among others. These dynamics will only intensify, as climate change, conflict, and global inequality ensure migration remains a defining challenge for decades to come. What drives people, when faced with the same issue, to mobilize in mass protest, engage in online defense, or organize counter-protests? The Model of Belonging, Individual differences, Life experiences, and Interaction Sustaining Engagement (MOBILISE) offers an integrative account, but important psychological variables remain underexplored. This project advances the framework by incorporating attachment orientations, secure versus insecure group identification (collective narcissism alongside its secure counterpart), and conspiracy beliefs—factors that link personal insecurities with defensive group identifications and collective narratives, and that are expected to interact with established MOBILISE factors.

The project is ambitious both theoretically and methodologically. It will extend our understanding to explain mobilization and why engagement falters or is abandoned. To capture these dynamics, the project will employ a multi-method approach, combining cross-sectional, experimental, and longitudinal designs, alongside qualitative interviews with activists from opposing sides. This will ensure that both generalizable patterns and lived experiences are examined, highlighting how mobilization is sparked, sustained, resisted, or abandoned.

Together, these advances will explain when and why people unite, resist, or disengage from collective action, offering fresh insights into a pressing challenge for contemporary democracies.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 342 506,04
Address
THE REGISTRY CANTERBURY
CT2 7NZ Canterbury, Kent
United Kingdom

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Region
South East (England) Kent East Kent
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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