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  3. The Moderating effect of political tribalism on the relation…
Original Research🔓 Open Access

The Moderating effect of political tribalism on the relationship between moral obligation, political solidarity and activism in a repressive and multi-ethnic African context

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Social Science and Humanities JournalVol. 10 · No. 04 · (2026)📅 April 5, 2026pp. 9947-9955DOI: 10.18535/sshj.v10i03.2219 ↗
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Abstract
The success of a demonstration challenging the political status quo depends on the demonstrators’ ability to mobilise individuals who are not directly affected by the issue. The effectiveness of such mobilisation is also closely linked to the political opportunity structure of the context. In a political environment where the functioning of the ruling system relies on the combined use of systematic repression and the political instrumentalisation of ethnicity, the development of a sense of moral obligation to act, as well as the salience of political solidarity, become necessary conditions for activism. However, the persistence of political tribalism tends to discourage public engagement when the demonstration is not directed towards the acquisition of power for one’s ethno-tribal group. To test this hypothesis, 600 Cameroonian students completed a self-report questionnaire comprising four measurement scales. A moderated mediation effect was examined, and the implications of the findings are discussed in light of existing literature.
Keywords:political tribalismactivismmoral obligationpolitical solidaritypolitical opportunity
How to Cite
Ombe Essomba Parfait, Noumbissié Claude Désiré (2026). The Moderating effect of political tribalism on the relationship between moral obligation, political solidarity and activism in a repressive and multi-ethnic African context. Social Science and Humanities Journal, 10(04), 9947-9955. https://doi.org/10.18535/sshj.v10i03.2219

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