Using Concept Mapping methodology to visualize Italian activists’ motivations to collective action

In a political arena that is increasingly active on social issues, associations now more than ever need people who are committed to social change. Participatory method-ologies are therefore increasingly important to actively engage people and promote dia-logue and collaboration between academia and local communities. In the present re-search, concept mapping methodology was applied with the aim of identifying the mo-tivations underlying the commitment of a group of Italian activists to collective action. Findings suggest that sense of community and civic responsibility, typically “commu-nity” dimensions, are central in motivating the commitment of Italian activists.