Is cancel culture validating? How collective validation mediates the relationship between cancel culture and collective action

The concept of validation has received limited attention in the intergroup relations literature. However, feelings of collective validation may help to inspire and sustain collective action. Two experiments investigate whether episodes of cancel culture, the opprobrium and exiling of harm-doers, can inspire feelings of collective validation among members of the harmed group and whether these feelings influence subsequent collective action. Study 1, using an incident of sexism, showed that an episode of cancel culture had an indirect positive effect on collective action mediated by feelings of collective validation and collective empowerment. Study 2, using an incident of anti-East Asian hate, showed the indirect effect of cancel culture on collective action mediated by feelings of collective validation and collective anger and contempt. This research offers an empirical introduction to the concept of collective validation utilizing the understudied context of cancel culture and demonstrates their impact on collective action.