#vistårinteut initiative and solutions to the collective action problem

Abstract: The aim of the study is to investigate how Facebook is used to facilitate and inspire collective action. This will be done through a case study of the Swedish network of volunteers and professionals #vistårinteut [We Will Not Stand It] (VSIU). Further the aim is to examine what it is that makes people convert their concerns on social change into collective action by mobilisation in the network. Because they are part of the same network, the participants are assumed to have aspects as identity, motive, and purpose in common and the perception of collective identity and interest will be part of the study. The method for data collection is internet-based using two steps; 1) web-based survey and; 2) focus groups investigated through Facebook. Furthermore a Coding Scheme will be used to analyse the results through the theoretic framework of Collective Action theory, and the four solution categories to the Collective Action problem; market category, community category, hierarchy category and contract category. Eleven solution groups are selected due to the potential of social media to influence the capacity of each solution.The most noticeable solution category in the results from VSIU is Community with strong indications of both common knowledge and common values, contributing to a steady community building and collective action online and in the streets. Facebook contributes to the common identity and community building by providing availability to information and support within the group. Another significant characteristics of Facebook as platform for collective action is the breakdown of geographical, political and social barriers.However Community solely is discovered to be insufficient to solve the collective action problem and demands for solutions from at least one other category.