ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the motivations of protest participants are influenced by the macro level political context. It links the political context with protesters' social psychological features. The chapter analyzes various anti-austerity protests in six European countries between 2009 and 2012. These demonstrations were caused by 'The most serious financial, economic and social crisis that the world has seen since the 1930s' that brought governments to decide on tough austerity measures, some of the deepest for generations. Van Stekelenburg, Klandermans and Van Dijk study analyzed the connection between the micro motivations of individual protesters and the meso level of social movement characteristics. Relative deprivation theory suggested that the anger and resentment individuals experience when they feel deprived in comparison with other groups is likely to result in protest participation. The political opportunity approach holds that the environment determines the development and potential outcomes of social movements and protest demonstrations.
