It’s About: Building an Empowered Community
The study explores the impact of cancel culture on collective action and collective validation, shedding light on the psychological mechanisms underlying responses to intergroup harm. By investigating how cancel culture influences feelings of collective validation and collective action intentions, the research aims to advance our understanding of collective behavior in response to discrimination. Notably, this research is pioneering in its examination of cancel culture within the realm of social psychology, offering insights into its role in motivating collective action. Through two experimental studies focusing on sexism and racism contexts, the research demonstrates that exposure to cancel culture can positively affect collective action intentions through feelings of collective validation.
How does cancel culture empower marginalized voices? Exploring how collective validation shapes social change and amplifies unheard narratives.
These findings have significant implications for both theory and practice, challenging existing perspectives on cancel culture and its impact. While cancel culture has been criticized, particularly from positions of power, this research reframes the narrative by centering on the perspectives of marginalized groups. It highlights how episodes of cancel culture can serve as sources of validation for those who experience harm, contributing to their sense of empowerment and motivation for collective action. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of considering diverse social identities and experiences in understanding the effects of cancel culture and collective validation.
Because of collective action there was someone there to defend against injustice and amplify marginalized voices
Policy-wise, the study offers valuable insights into the potential weaponization of policies that may appear fair but hide discriminatory outcomes. By revealing how cancel culture can serve as a tool for resistance and empowerment among marginalized groups, it calls for a reevaluation of policies and practices that perpetuate systemic inequalities. This aligns with the call of the special issue to confront discrimination and promote equity in various domains. The authors’ bravery in tackling the complexities of cancel culture and collective validation contributes to a more nuanced understanding of social dynamics and paves the way for future research to explore these concepts further.
Note: This series highlights articles from the recently published special issue of Frontiers in Psychology, “Power, Discrimination, and Privilege in Individuals and Institutions,” edited by Sonya Faber, Monnica T. Williams, Matthew D. Skinta, and Bia Labate.
Traversa, Marissa, Tian, Ying, & Wright, Stephen C. (2023). Cancel culture can be collectively validating for groups experiencing harm. Frontiers in Psychology 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1181872
Art by Luana Lourenço.
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