The Role of Emotions in Shaping the Collective Identity and Action of the Student Movement in Serbia

Abstract

Ovaj rad ispituje emocionalnu dinamiku koja je oblikovala studentski pokret u Srbiji tokom 2024. i 2025. godine, pokrenutim nakon pada betonske nadstrešnice na železničkoj stanici u Novom Sadu. Koristeći kvalitativnu metodologiju, intervjue sa 32 osobe i metodu dnevnika (diary method), istraživanje obuhvata spektar emocija koje su se javljale i razvijale tokom protesta: tugu, strah, frustraciju, bes, ljutnju, nadu, odlučnost, optimizam, osećaj zajedništva, povezanosti i pripadanosti. Studenti/kinje su među prvima reagovali, transformišući početnu tugu u političku mobilizaciju. Ljutnja i bes bili su usmereni ka nefunkcionsanju institucija dok je frustracija rasla usled nasilja, napada na studente/kinje i izostanka odgovornosti nadležnih. Istovremeno su se razvijali snažni doživljaji zajedništva, jedinstva i pripadanosti, posebno kroz kolektivno organizovanje u studentskim plenumima i zajednički život tokom blokada fakulteta. Uprkos strahu i neizvesnosti, studenti/kinje su pokazivali otpornost i jasno usmerenje u svom delovanju. Emocije poput nade i optimizma bile su ključne za dugotrajno angažovanje. Ova studija doprinosi razumevanju kolektivne akcije iz perspektive emocija, ističući način na koji emocionalna iskustva oblikuju kolektivni identitet i podstiču političku participaciju. Teorijski se oslanja na pristupe društvenih pokreta i kolektivnog identiteta, smeštajući analizu u širi kontekst savremene mobilizacije mladih u post-socijalističkom kontekstu.This paper explores the emotional dynamics that shaped the student movement in Serbia during the 2024–2025 protests, which were sparked by the collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad. Using a qualitative methodology, interviews with 32 individuals and the diary method, the study captures a wide range of emotions that emerged and developed throughout the protests: grief, fear, frustration, rage, anger, hope, determination, optimism, togetherness, unity, and belonging. Students were among the first to respond, transforming initial grief into political mobilization. Anger and rage were directed at the dysfunction of public institutions, while frustration intensified due to violence, attacks on students, and the absence of accountability among those in power. At the same time, strong feelings of togetherness, unity, and belonging were forged, particularly through collective organizing in student plenums and communal life during university blockades. Despite fear and uncertainty, students demonstrated resilience and a clear sense of purpose in their actions. Emotions such as hope and optimism were key to sustaining long-term engagement. This study contributes to an emotion-focused understanding of collective action, highlighting how emotional experiences shape collective identity and drive political participation. The analysis draws on social movement and collective identity theories, situating the findings within the broader context of contemporary youth mobilization in post-socialist societies.Naučna konferencija Studentski protesti 2024/25: BloKADA, ako ne SADA?, Beograd, 22. i 23. novembar 2025., Saopštenje štampano u izvod