Collective Action and Identity

Reflecting on last week's posting, I realized a connection between Ms. Norma McCorvey, or Jane Roe, and the use of identity as a form of motivation, talked about in Della Porta and Diani's 4th chapter in the textbook, Social Movements: an Introduction. Della Porta and Diani say that in in order for people to be moved to join a social movement, they need to feel as though they are a part of that movement. Individuals must somehow see themselves as part of a specific collection and feel as though they are tied to the other members. The book points out that this can be a difficult process sometimes, due to the fact that identity is highly a dynamic process. Throughout our life, many things about us change, including our beliefs, our values, our outlook on life, our relationships, and our careers, to name a few. Granted, some aspects of our identity remain static: our biological gender, our height, the family we were born into, etc. Yet with dynamic identities, social movements must work extra hard to learn ways to use changing beliefs and values to their advantage, to get others to join their movement.

Looking at Norma McCorvey's influence in the abortion debate is a perfect example of this. McCorvey was once in her life a believer in the right for women to choose if they will abort their baby or not. She was a public figure for the pro-choice movement and helped bring about their victory. Later in her life, however, she had a transformation that changed the way she felt about abortion. Her identity drastically changed and she soon began fighing for the "other side"; the pro-life movement. This movement greatly benefits from McCorvey's dynamic identity because she has a story that can be shared with others to motivate them, or meet them where they are. Many people who support pro-life movements have gone through abortions themselves and now live with the pain and guilt that can be understood by spokespersons such as McCorvey. The pro-life social movement can use McCorvey to connect with others in their group, and especially those outside the group, who can relate to her and be influenced by her convergence. If people who are on the fence with their beleifs in abortion hear McCorvey's personal story that cannot be argued with, they might possibly be swayed to join the pro-life group. McCorvey also has the ability to help clearly define the boundaries between the pro-choice movement and the pro-life movement. Della Porta and Diani say this is an improtant phase in the identity construction process. Women who have had abortions and who are hurting emotionally and/or physically may deeply connect and empathize with McCorvey's story, and feel as though they are one of her and be motivated to join her in the fight against abortion. If they feel as though they are not alone and do not have to be shamed by their past, they may be greatly moved to step out and share their story as well. For the pro-life social movement, Norma McCorvey's transformation was a huge sucess. The movement is now able to apeal to those who can identify with her, and can gain participation by those who feel they are apart of McCorvey's story. Della Porta and Diani were right when saying that collective identity leads to motivated action.