Using Concept Mapping methodology to visualize Italian activists' motivations to collective action

Abstract

In a political arena that is increasingly active on social issues, associations now more than ever need people who are committed to social change. Participatory methodologies are there-fore increasingly important to actively engage people and promote dialogue and collaboration between academia and local communities. In the present research, concept mapping methodology was applied with the aim of identifying the motivations underlying the commitment of a group of Italian activists to collective action. Findings suggest that sense of community and civic responsibility, typically "community" dimensions, are central in motivating the commit-ment of Italian activists.