The issue of perceiving social justice movements has become increasingly important in recent times. As society becomes more conscious about the need for equality and equity, individuals are seeking ways to participate actively in promoting these values.
There is limited understanding of how this process affects their mental health and level of involvement in such activities. This essay will delve into this concept through an exploration of literature, empirical evidence, and personal experiences.
Literature suggests that perception of social justice movements can influence psychological well-being positively or negatively depending on various factors.
Studies have shown that activists involved in social justice campaigns experience high levels of stress due to discrimination, stigma, harassment, and violence from oppressive structures. The emotional impact of this experience may lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic disorders. Conversely, successes achieved through collective action can boost self-esteem and resilience among participants who feel empowered by contributing to change. It implies that people's well-being is affected by the degree to which they perceive positive outcomes in their efforts towards justice.
Empirical evidence indicates that activism engagement varies with a person's motivation and confidence in achieving goals. People with strong convictions and beliefs in the efficacy of social movements tend to be more invested in them compared to those with doubts or low expectations. Their participation in protests, demonstrations, and rallies can be a source of joy, excitement, and a sense of belonging, resulting in improved mood and overall life satisfaction. In contrast, individuals whose efforts yield little or no results are likely to become frustrated and demotivated. This may result in lowered engagement and reduced productivity, leading to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and sadness.
Personally, I believe that perception of social justice movements affects my level of involvement and psychological well-being positively. As an advocate for gender equality, I have experienced both positive and negative outcomes in my campaigns against sexist attitudes and behaviors. Successful events such as seminars and workshops where we were able to influence public opinion have given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Dealing with misogynistic remarks from colleagues and family members has been challenging and draining. Still, I am committed to continuing my journey towards a fairer society because I see how it benefits everyone involved.
How does perception of social justice movements influence psychological well-being and activism engagement?
Perceived injustice has been linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, which may lead individuals to become more engaged in protests, campaigns, and other forms of collective action (e. g. , Nguyen & Hurtado, 2017). Social media is an important channel for promoting social change by sharing information about injustices, mobilizing people around causes, and facilitating communication between activists (e.