Background Experiences and Attitudes of Peace Activists

ABSTRACT

To investigate the background and motivations of peace activists, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews with 21 members of the American peace activist organization, Beyond War, in 1986. Most were found to have professional backgrounds, often politically conservative ones. Their average length of involvement in Beyond War was already over 3 years, but only 12 had been involved in activist causes before the peace movement. Almost all reported an experience or event that was instrumental in their becoming involved in the peace movement, such as wartime experiences or particular books, films, or speakers. Almost all saw the peace movement as a moral issue, were optimistic about the prospects for achieving peace, were highly motivated for further involvement in the movement, and reported strong support from their families.