Support for Protests in Latin America: Classifications and the Role of Online Networking

Rachel R. Mourão, Magdalena Saldaña, Shannon C. McGregor and Adrian D. Zeh
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Rachel R. Mourão: School of Journalism, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
Magdalena Saldaña: Department of Journalism & Electronic Media, College of Media & Communication, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Shannon C. McGregor: School of Journalism, Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
Adrian D. Zeh: Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA

Social Sciences, 2016, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: In recent years, Latin Americans marched the streets in a wave of protests that swept almost every country in the region. Yet few studies have assessed how Latin Americans support various forms of protest, and how new technologies affect attitudes toward protest tactics. Using data from the Latin American Public Opinion Project (N = 37,102), cluster analyses grouped citizens into four distinct groups depending on their support for protests. Most Latin Americans support moderate forms of protest, rejecting more radical tactics. Online networking is associated with support for both moderate and radical protests. But those who support only moderate protests use online networking sites more than Latin Americans as a whole, while those who support radical protests use online networking sites significantly less. Our findings suggest that only peaceful and legal demonstrations have been normalized in the region, and online networking foments support for moderate protest tactics.

Keywords: social movements; online networking; support for protests; Latin America; political communication (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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