Individual grievances and resource ownership in contexts of economic crisis: an analysis of protest activism in Latin American countries

Abstract

This article examines the impact of individual grievances on protest participation, with an emphasis on the context of economic crisis. Recent literature suggests that subjective perceptions of economic conditions play a central role in protest activism. However, other studies argue that mobilization depends not only on these perceptions but also on the availability of resources to transform discontent into political action. Using data from the AmericasBarometer and applying multilevel logistic regression techniques, this study problematizes these perspectives. The results indicate that it is not the objective deterioration of living conditions, but rather the subjective perception of this deterioration, that motivates protest. Furthermore, in crisis scenarios, inequalities in protest engagement are exacerbated, making mobilization less accessible to individuals with fewer resources. These findings contribute to the understanding of protest dynamics in contexts of economic instability in Latin America.