Refraining or Resisting: Responses of Green Movement Supporters to Repression During the 2013 Iranian Presidential Elections

Findings on the effect of repression political participation are mixed and inconclusive. This article addresses this puzzle by introducing conceptualizing ‘responses to repression’ as individuals’ varying willingness risk-taking continuing with activities despite possible threats. We use three-wave panel survey data focus run-up 2013 Iranian presidential elections, during which gradual decline in Green Movement supporters turned into a remarkable increase activism. The findings indicate that decision either refrain from or resist plays an important role explaining some forms participation. And, turn, is influenced social-psychological factors: (IGM) who experienced less fear, were more aggrieved perceived lower levels than other supporters, inclined embrace risks. Consequently, they frequently engaged everyday resistance – covert activities, difficult be controlled surveilled states. It implies social movement repressive contexts cannot only ignore risks associated activism continue same activity but can also find invent repression.