Protest hybrids. On the relevance of fun and hedonistic motives at protest events and the resulting tensions

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ronald Hitzler
• Subject Area: Empirical Social Research
• Term: from 2014 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 256190620

The current events of the past years leads to the impression that political, economic and social decision-makers are currently confronted with 'riots from everywhere'. In contrary to frequently expressed scientific analysis and journalistic opinions the participants of protests nearly always (also) have fun. The significance of an increasing orientation on fun and pleasure can be observed in the protest events of traditional, strongly institutionalized social movements. Fun and joyfulness are included in the preparation and in the communication of events through the organising protagonists as well as in the expectations and motives of participants. On the other hand, new forms of protest are been tested and publicized by young, highly dynamic movements, to which fun is an important - sometimes even central - part of. In this research project the hybridization of protest - the blending of traditional and decidedly serious political events with fun elements - and in particular the resulting tensions are investigated.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Dr. Arne Niederbacher