What will activism look like in 2026? Who are the people getting involved today in a union, an association, a collective, or even within their own company? In a study conducted in partnership with MAIF, Denis Maillard, co-director of the Foundation’s Observatory of Engagement, analyzes the profound changes in civic engagement based on an original survey conducted by Ifop. The survey shows that while activism remains a minority practice, it is reinventing itself through new forms of action that are more flexible, more concrete, and more focused on aligning personal convictions with daily practices.
Table of Contents
Preface. The Activist: Hero of Our Contemporary History
Yves Pellicier, President of MAIF
What Is an “Activist” in 2026?
The Ambivalence of a Term
The Limited Influence of Activists
Being a “Good Activist”
What Makes a “Good Activist”
The Existence of Activist Burnout
The Relationship to Politics
How Radical Should It Be?
The Five Traits of Contemporary Activism
Find the survey on the Jean Jaurès Foundation website: The Passion for Activism. Civic Participation, Community Involvement, Professional Engagement – Jean Jaurès Foundation
