Why do people join social movements? What drives individuals to become part of something bigger than themselves?
In The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements. He argues that these groups fulfill fundamental human needs for identity, community, and purpose.
Keep reading to learn about three reasons people are drawn to mass movements.
Why People Join Social Movements
Why do people join social movements? Hoffer writes that mass movements are appealing because they provide an answer to fundamental human needs, including identity, community, and a strong sense of purpose.
(Shortform note: Hoffer’s argument that all humans need identity, community, and a strong sense of purpose maps onto Abraham Maslow’s better-known hierarchy of needs theory. Maslow’s hierarchy starts with basic physiological needs, then moves to safety, belongingness and love (community), esteem (identity), and finally self-actualization (sense of purpose). While Hoffer suggests mass movements can fulfill these needs, Maslow would argue that true satisfaction comes from personal growth and self-understanding rather than externally imposed identities or purposes.)
Reason #1: Mass Movements Offer a New Identity
For people feeling lost, ineffective, or inconsequential in their day-to-day lives, mass movements present an attractive opportunity to redefine themselves. These movements offer followers a chance to discard an unsatisfying past identity and embrace an exciting new one that gives them a sense of being a part of something important. Hoffer stresses that this change goes beyond surface-level presentation, profoundly affecting a person’s sense of their own value and role in society.
(Shortform note: Hoffer outlines the appeal of a clear identity for those feeling lost, ineffective, or inconsequential. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre argues that “existence precedes essence,” meaning people first exist without any predetermined purpose or identity (existence), and only through living and making choices do they define who they are (essence). Sartre suggests that adopting a collective identity allows individuals to avoid the constant work of creating their identity, thereby easing the existential angst tied to finding personal identity in a seemingly meaningless world.)
Reason #2: Mass Movements Provide a Sense of Community
Beyond individual transformation, mass movements provide a sense of community, creating spaces where people come together around shared convictions, objectives, and enemies. This sense of community fulfills a deep social need, providing followers with a network of support and solidarity. The community also celebrates and encourages personal sacrifices for the cause as contributions toward a common goal—further deepening the social bonds between followers.
(Shortform note: Because mass movements create a sense of belonging and solidarity among followers, they also risk succumbing to groupthink—a phenomenon where the desire for cohesion leads to poor decision-making, as detailed by psychologist Irving Janis in Groupthink. Janis’s work suggests that groups thrive when they foster an environment that encourages dissent and critical thinking, thus avoiding the groupthink trap. By valuing diverse perspectives and creating spaces for open dialogue, movements can be cohesive while remaining ethical and adaptable.)
Reason #3: Mass Movements Define a Clear Purpose
Mass movements also define a clear purpose for followers. These movements often simplify complex issues into clear-cut missions, enabling followers to channel their frustrations and ambitions toward actionable goals. Led by charismatic figures who articulate (and symbolize) this vision, followers find themselves part of a dynamic group aiming to reshape society; they transform from passive bystanders to active agents of change. In this way, mass movements become more than just responses to dissatisfaction: They become an easy-to-follow map for how followers can live their lives and achieve the future they want.
| The Danger of Reductionism: From Mass Movements to Politics Reductionism is the process by which multifaceted societal challenges are distilled into binary or overly simplistic narratives. This approach enables mass movements to clarify their purpose and unite a wide array of followers by presenting straightforward, actionable goals. The strategy of reductionism outlined by Hoffer mirrors a similar trend in contemporary politics, where intricate policy debates are frequently condensed into catchy slogans or binary options, designed to galvanize partisans and polarize debates. This oversimplification can lead us to gloss over critical nuances necessary for truly addressing the root causes of societal issues. The reductionist approach increases polarization and decreases understanding among the public, discouraging meaningful dialogue and compromise. |
Exercise: Examine Your History With Mass Movements
In The True Believer, Hoffer explores the mindset of people who join mass movements. Reflect on an occasion when you were drawn toward a cause or movement.
- Recall a specific cause or movement that you were involved in. What drew you to this cause or movement?
- In what ways did your involvement affect your sense of self?
- How did you respond, or how would you have responded, if your group’s core belief or ideologies were challenged?
