A Theory of Ethnic Collective Action

Abstract

This article presents a theory to explain the frequency of ethnic collective action. Based on rational choice premises, it represents an alternative to currently popular structural theories. We demonstrate why an individual will not necessarily join a collective action even if its end is beneficial to him, and why collective action does not always occur among the most seriously disadvantaged ethnic groups. The strength of ethnically based organizations is held to be an especially powerful determinant of the likelihood of ethnic collective action.