The small group technique of the radical revolutionary: A synthetic study of consciousness raising

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the aggregate or central symbols which characterize the different stages in consciousness raising. The researchers tape‐recorded several consciousness raising sessions. The results of the study indicated that in moving through a four‐stage process, participants generally created a new identity for themselves (Stage One), perceived themselves as pitted against agents of the establishment (Stage Two), denied establishment values for newly created values (Stage Three), and finally agreed to support the liberation efforts of unrecognized oppressed groups, hence broadening the revolution (Stage Four). An examination of consciousness raising as a small group technique appears to have important implications regarding the reliability, prior reported results, methodology, and future studies of small groups.