ABSTRACT
This chapter presents simple theory of conflict group formation and of loosely structured collective action. The goals of collective action are frequently collective goods, such as terminating the draft, stopping an unpopular war, getting legislation passed or repealed, rescinding increased food prices. Transitory teams contribute mostly to the cost of collective action itself: opportunity cost and the costs associated with arrest and injury. The boycott of South African team sports and opposition to apartheid are not issues that have an immediate impact on the daily life of Nashville people, whether black or white. The cost of participation is low when the costs of organization maintenance, planning, and recruitment have been borne by others. The national leadership of the NAACP de-escalated its collective action to a single three-hour protest against apartheid rather than against Vanderbilt University and the Davis Cup matches.
