The making of a movement (together) : how climate activists perceive Greta Thunberg's leadership

Abstract

Drawing on the Social Identity Theory of Leadership, this study explores how Greta Thunberg's influence emerges through group processes where her leadership is sustained among climate activists by perceptions of one of us and doing it for us. Using a qualitative survey of 108 climate activists from the United Kingdom, Turkey and Sweden, we examine how these perceptions are constructed and maintained by climate activists across different socio-political contexts. Although many activists view Thunberg as central to raising awareness and mobilising action, her leadership is seen as effective when it aligns with collective values and identity. Perceptions of her leadership are dynamic and shaped by her behaviour, rhetoric and evolving relationships with activists, media and political actors. Some participants expressed concern about her dominance in the public narrative and questioned her representativeness due to her privileged background (e.g., middle-class White European). Notably, identity prototypicality (one of us) and advancement (doing it for us) were closely linked: Activists often cited the same actions or messages as evidence of both. Findings highlight the mutual influence of leadership and movement identity. Although prototypical leaders embody the movement's identity and facilitate collective agency, leaders who inspire mobilisation and organise collective actions for activists to enact their identity are perceived as more prototypical.Peer reviewe