Michael Sweigart
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Michael's research addresses three broad research questions:
What are the psychological characteristics of individuals and groups who resist global pro-inclusion norms?
As our globalizing world has become increasingly interconnected through cultural, institutional, economic and other dimensions, many international actors and institutions have sought to shape and enforce global norms. Many of these norms are derived from a set of human rights principles, such as a right to non-discrimination and liberal democratic guarantees for freedom of speech and assembly. While these principles are designed to be universal, efforts to diffuse and enforce them often encounter resistance from societies who see them as contrary to their own traditions. This is particularly true when it comes to global norms regarding the rights and social inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations, which are perceived as threatening in many contexts – particularly in socially conservative contexts where local identity and norms are closely intertwined with religious values.
While scholars from international relations have studied the role of state governments and political elites in the global diffusion of norms regarding the rights of LGBTQ+ people and other traditionally stigmatized minority groups, the micro-level dynamics through which these norms are internalized – or not – within societies is under-theorized and and understudied. I am interested in contributing to this knowledge gap drawing upon social psychological theory. What are the psychological characteristics of people and groups who are more or less receptive of international pro-inclusion norms? To what extent to these characteristics vary across different global contexts? What are the implications for global norm diffusion policy and practice?
What is the role of group leaders in mobilizing acceptance or resistance to global pro-inclusion norms?
In addition to understanding who resists global inclusion norms and why, I am interested in the role of leaders within these processes. As identity entrepreneurs, national, religious, and other leaders play an important role in prescribing norms through their public messaging, legislation, and policymaking. However, the psychology of group leadership has been understudied within the global diffusion and domestic internalization of globally-promoted inclusion norms. To what extent and how do the behaviors of state elites influence social acceptance or rejection of globally-promoted inclusion norms, particularly in contexts where these changes may be perceived as threatening? How can pro-inclusion leaders deal with backlash and countermobilization by social factions that are opposed to the acceptance of new norms?
How can activists – particularly local – advance their cause in the face of delegimization by far-right groups?
International and local civil society groups are at the forefront of efforts to advance norms of social diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. However, these activist are often countered by far-right groups who seek to portray them as foreign agents without the legitimacy to influence domestic policy or social norms. I am interested in studying what types of interventions activists can use to effectively overcome the challenges posed by these far-right groups, with a focus on issues of LGBTQ+ rights. For example, what are the social impacts of different forms of pro-LGBTQ+ activism, such as pride parades, which are often highly controversial and contested? What types of activism and messaging can foster acceptance of pro-LGBTQ+ social norms?
About Michael
Michael’s scholarship is informed by more than 12 years working in international democracy, human rights, & governance policy and practice. Through this work, he has supported the design, implementation, and evaluation of diverse programs support democratic development across five global regions. His research was particularly inspired by his work in the Balkans, North Africa, and Central Asia, where he observed burgeoning LGBTQ+ rights movements persevering in the face of severe social and political resistance. These experiences motivated him to understand scientifically how these activists can advance their work to achieve more inclusive, just, and peaceful societies. Michael’s interdisciplinary research draws upon an academic background in Public Policy and International Relations, with a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University and a BA in International Affairs from George Washington University.
Get in touch
Michael is always happy to speak about his research. Potential speaking topics include:
Articles written Michael for the Social Change Blog:
If you’re interested in having Michael speak at an event or collaborating on research, please get in touch.
What are the psychological characteristics of individuals and groups who resist global pro-inclusion norms?
As our globalizing world has become increasingly interconnected through cultural, institutional, economic and other dimensions, many international actors and institutions have sought to shape and enforce global norms. Many of these norms are derived from a set of human rights principles, such as a right to non-discrimination and liberal democratic guarantees for freedom of speech and assembly. While these principles are designed to be universal, efforts to diffuse and enforce them often encounter resistance from societies who see them as contrary to their own traditions. This is particularly true when it comes to global norms regarding the rights and social inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations, which are perceived as threatening in many contexts – particularly in socially conservative contexts where local identity and norms are closely intertwined with religious values.
While scholars from international relations have studied the role of state governments and political elites in the global diffusion of norms regarding the rights of LGBTQ+ people and other traditionally stigmatized minority groups, the micro-level dynamics through which these norms are internalized – or not – within societies is under-theorized and and understudied. I am interested in contributing to this knowledge gap drawing upon social psychological theory. What are the psychological characteristics of people and groups who are more or less receptive of international pro-inclusion norms? To what extent to these characteristics vary across different global contexts? What are the implications for global norm diffusion policy and practice?
What is the role of group leaders in mobilizing acceptance or resistance to global pro-inclusion norms?
In addition to understanding who resists global inclusion norms and why, I am interested in the role of leaders within these processes. As identity entrepreneurs, national, religious, and other leaders play an important role in prescribing norms through their public messaging, legislation, and policymaking. However, the psychology of group leadership has been understudied within the global diffusion and domestic internalization of globally-promoted inclusion norms. To what extent and how do the behaviors of state elites influence social acceptance or rejection of globally-promoted inclusion norms, particularly in contexts where these changes may be perceived as threatening? How can pro-inclusion leaders deal with backlash and countermobilization by social factions that are opposed to the acceptance of new norms?
How can activists – particularly local – advance their cause in the face of delegimization by far-right groups?
International and local civil society groups are at the forefront of efforts to advance norms of social diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. However, these activist are often countered by far-right groups who seek to portray them as foreign agents without the legitimacy to influence domestic policy or social norms. I am interested in studying what types of interventions activists can use to effectively overcome the challenges posed by these far-right groups, with a focus on issues of LGBTQ+ rights. For example, what are the social impacts of different forms of pro-LGBTQ+ activism, such as pride parades, which are often highly controversial and contested? What types of activism and messaging can foster acceptance of pro-LGBTQ+ social norms?
About Michael
Michael’s scholarship is informed by more than 12 years working in international democracy, human rights, & governance policy and practice. Through this work, he has supported the design, implementation, and evaluation of diverse programs support democratic development across five global regions. His research was particularly inspired by his work in the Balkans, North Africa, and Central Asia, where he observed burgeoning LGBTQ+ rights movements persevering in the face of severe social and political resistance. These experiences motivated him to understand scientifically how these activists can advance their work to achieve more inclusive, just, and peaceful societies. Michael’s interdisciplinary research draws upon an academic background in Public Policy and International Relations, with a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University and a BA in International Affairs from George Washington University.
Get in touch
Michael is always happy to speak about his research. Potential speaking topics include:
- Global pro-inclusion norms
- Social and political resistance
- Public policy and international relations
Articles written Michael for the Social Change Blog:
- Watch this space!
If you’re interested in having Michael speak at an event or collaborating on research, please get in touch.
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