Getting involved in a society breaking down: The link between anomie and (non)normative political actions

Recent studies indicate a link between anomie, that is the perceived breakdown of society, and non-normative, for example violent, political actions. However, less is known about (1) how anomie relates to normative, for example legal, political actions and (2) why anomie is related to political actions in general. In a nationally representative sample from Germany and three preregistered experiments conducted in the United States (total N = 2379), we tested whether and why anomie is related to normative and non-normative political actions. As hypothesized, anomie decreases intentions to engage in normative actions via perceived lack of political control. Moreover, correlational and causal evidence indicates that the link between anomie and non-normative action is explained sequentially by lack of political control and political uncertainty, suggesting that such actions may reflect a quest for significance and meaning. In conclusion, our findings show that anomie may pose a twofold threat to political systems and help explain why: Anomie can reduce normative political participation via lack of political control and increase non-normative, radical political actions via a sequential pathway from lack of political control to uncertainty.