The Social Dynamics of Collective Action: Evidence from the Diffusion of the Swing Riots, 1830–1831


Type
Article
Change log
Authors
Leon-Ablan, G 
Satchell, M 
Abstract

Social unrest often begins suddenly and spreads quickly. What is the information that drives its diffusion? How is this information transmitted? And who responds to this information? We present a general framework that emphasizes three aspects of the diffusion process: the networks through which information travels, whether information about repression affects participation, and the role of organizers. We use this framework to derive empirical hypotheses that we test in the context of the English Swing riots of 1830-31. This was the foundational case in the study of unrest in social history, and our identification strategy relies on spatiotemporal variation particular to this historical period. We find that diffusion was significant and that information about the riots traveled through personal and trade networks, but not through transport or mass media networks. This information was not about repression; and local organizers played an important role in the diffusion of the riots.

Description
Keywords
4408 Political Science, 44 Human Society
Journal Title
Journal of Politics
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
0022-3816
1468-2508
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Rights
All rights reserved
Sponsorship
British Academy (SG121870)
British Academy, Riots And The Great Reform Act Of 1832, (BA grant JHAG097)