June 24, 2024 — Advantaged groups can help reduce the perceptions of ethnic minority group social movements as being more violent and requiring more law enforcement attention for protests, according to researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, led by Dr. Devorah Manekin from Hebrew University’s Department of International Relations, the researchers highlight how allies from advantaged groups can counteract negative stereotypes and support social movements of disadvantaged groups. The research, focused on the 2020 Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, shows how White allies positively influenced public opinion among both Black and White audiences.

The researchers found that a sizeable White presence at racial justice protests increases protest approval, reduces perceptions of violence, and raises the likelihood of participation among White audiences while not causing significant backlash among Black audiences. Black respondents mostly see White presence as useful for advancing the movement’s goals, and predominant White presence reduces expectations that protests will be forcefully repressed.

Dr. Manekin and her team used surveys and social media analysis to understand the impact of allies. They also analyzed tens of thousands of images shared on social media during the 2020 BLM protests, finding a significant association between the presence of Whites in the images and user engagement and amplification. Among White participants, allies increased public attention and support for the protests. Among Black audiences, allies were supported for their perceived strategic benefits, such as attracting attention to the movement and reducing the likelihood of heavy policing.

Dr. Manekin said, “Our research shows how important allies can be in shaping public opinion and increasing support for social movements. While there are valid concerns about allies becoming overly prominent in the movement, our findings show that thoughtful allyship is perceived positively by the public and can thus be a powerful means of combating inequality.”

The findings suggest that allyship can be a powerful tool for promoting sociopolitical change amid deep structural inequality.

The research paper titled “The politics of allyship: Multiethnic coalitions and mass attitudes toward protest” can be accessed here.

Researchers:

Devorah Manekin¹, Tamar Mitts², Yael Zeira³

Institutions:

1) Department of International Relations, Hebrew University

2) School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

3) Political Science Department, Syracuse University