From Ordinary to Revolutionary Dynamics of Mobilization in the Egyptian Revolution

The Egyptian revolution of 2011 was one of the earliest waves of the Arab Spring. Within only 18 days, Mubarak was forced to step down, ending thirty years of authoritarian rule. This study seeks to explain the process of mobilization that led to the mass uprising by exploring the experiences of a small group of Egyptian women who participated in the protests at Tahrir Square. The study problematizes the radical transformation these women underwent over a short period, evolving from seemingly passive, ordinary citizens to active participants in acts of resistance that ultimately toppled one of the longest-standing dictatorships in the Arab world. Grounded in an ethnographic investigation, this research employs an interpretive design that uses in-depth interviews and analytical coding to delve into the intricate dynamics of mobilization. Drawing on social movement theory and the framework of social nonmovements, the study demonstrates how atomized ordinary citizens can be transformed into revolutionaries through a four-stage process of mobilization. First, individuals share similar grievances against a common adversary, which fosters a sense of solidarity. This solidarity emerges from collective experiences of oppression, inequality, or corruption that resonate across different social and economic backgrounds. Second, the sense of solidarity is communicated and reinforced through social media networks, enabling participants to recognize their shared grievances and align their common positions. Third, this recognition of shared commonality fosters a collective identity, allowing individuals to perceive themselves as part of a unified entity. Finally, this unified entity is spurred into collective action by the occurrence of triggering events, which catalyze the latent potential for resistance. By examining this transformative process, the study sheds light on the mechanisms through which ordinary citizens can mobilize to challenge deeply entrenched authoritarian regimes, contributing to broader discussions on the dynamics of social movements and resistance studies.