| Summary/Abstract |
This study explores the role of emotion in political mobilization by
studying People Power, a radical group in Hong Kong. Th e group abandoned
their disruptive approach and adopted a new tactic of social
movement—joyous resistance—which attracted large numbers of participants
and thus became a powerful political force exerting great pressure
on the government. Th is case shows that festive emotion can be an intangible
resource that reduces the cost of participation compared with
confrontational tactics. Th e cathartic function of joyous resistance also
reduces the potential for violence during mobilization. After the
Umbrella Movement, there has been debate on whether more confrontational
or even violent tactics should be adopted in social movements.
Th e idea of joyous resistance will remain an important option for social
movement organizers considering the sustainability of mobilization in a
moderate society such as Hong Kong.
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