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Identity in Action: Predictors of Feminist Self-Identification and Collective Action

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Abstract

The present study sought to explore how women's life experiences influenced their beliefs, and how those beliefs in turn influenced feminist self-identification. Additionally, we sought to determine whether feminist self-identification led to increased collective action on behalf of women. Female participants (N = 282) from two US college campuses and online listservs completed an online survey assessing feminist self-identification, collective action, and life experiences. Conservative, liberal, and radical beliefs were assessed as were evaluations of feminists. A structural equation model was used to explore these relationships; life experiences were found to influence women's beliefs, which in turn influenced feminist self-identification, which influenced collective action. We found that life experiences may serve as a catalyst for both feminist self-identification and collective action.

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Correspondence to Miriam Liss.

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Nelson, J.A., Liss, M., Erchull, M.J. et al. Identity in Action: Predictors of Feminist Self-Identification and Collective Action. Sex Roles 58, 721–728 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-007-9384-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-007-9384-0

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