Explaining support for a sovereign Quebec: A collective action frames approach

This dissertation uses the concept of collective action frames to answer the question of why individuals support or oppose nationalist movements. Specifically, I examine the question of why some Quebecers supported a sovereign Quebec while other Quebecers preferred that Quebec remain part of Canada during the period from 1980 to 1995. My approach to collective action frames emphasizes the central position that values occupy in an individual's identity. Recognizing that people who belong to the same ethnic group will not necessarily have the same values helps to explain why nationalist movements often achieve only partial success in mobilizing members of an ethnic group to support nationalist goals. Using survey data, this dissertation explores the values, the perceptions of injustice, and the perceptions of agency of individual Quebecers and considers how these values and perceptions relate to support for sovereignty. Those Quebecers with more secular, more morally permissive, and more individualistic values tend to support sovereignty, and I argue that such Quebecers often view sovereignty as an opportunity for changing the status quo and creating a better society. Moreover, nationalism fulfills an important function that was largely filled by religion in the past---providing collective status for the group. In addition, this dissertation examines how both supporters and opponents of sovereignty have framed this issue in political discourse. I contend that the movement for sovereignty was remarkably successful in framing the debate in favorable terms during the period from 1980 to 1995. The issues of sovereignty and the constitution dominated Quebec's political debate. Most francophone Quebecers have embraced a Quebec-centered identity, and believe that Quebec should have special powers to protect its French culture and recognition as a distinct society in Canada's Constitution. Therefore, Canada's inability or unwillingness to provide Quebec with such powers and recognition is perceived as an injustice. Finally, most Quebecers seem to view sovereignty as a realistic option for Quebec.