Symposium: “Contesting Institutions: Bridging the Gap Between Individual and Collective Change Approaches”

Much of the ongoing discussion on societal change focuses on how institutions can change individual behavior (e.g., how nudges shape individual action), with some attention to the institutional and broader social contexts that influence it. In this symposium, we suggest flipping the question and asking: How can people, acting collectively, achieve institutional and societal change?

Collectives of people with different access to resources and decision-making, advocating for change from beyond and from within institutions can transform (social, legal, political, economic, and cultural) institutions: their internal practices, responsiveness to societal challenges, and influence on individuals. Psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other social science disciplines can offer valuable insights into this matter. This roundtable discussion aims to bring these perspectives into conversation and establish a foundation for a new, interdisciplinary research agenda.

Speakers:

• Tine de Moor, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
• Giuseppe Feola, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University
• Martijn van Zomeren, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
• Anna Zhelnina, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University

A roundtable discussion with speakers from disciplinary backgrounds will revolve around the following questions:

1. Who are the actors engaged in generating institutional and societal change?

2. Why do these players engage in the social change dynamics? Perspectives on motivation and pathways to collective action: why do people (not) work together to solve common/ societal problems? What are the key concepts that can help us make sense of (non)participation?

3. How can collectives of people generate social change? Tools, tactics, and strategies: what and why do people choose to do when working together?

After the contributions from the panel, a general discussion will follow where everyone attending will be welcome to share their own perspectives on the central questions. Whether you work on collective action and citizen initiatives or are curious how these frameworks and perspectives can apply to your own research, join us for this interactive panel!