The Process of Cognitive Liberation: Cultural Synapses, Links, and Frame Contradictions in the U.S.‐Central America Peace Movement*

Abstract

Based upon qualitative interviews with thirty‐two Central American peace activists, this article elaborates the process of “cognitive liberation” through the application of frame analysis. In addition, I seek to explain the diffusion of this social‐psychological state from Central to North America. Attention is given to the role of the church as a common cultural link that functioned as a micro‐mobilizing context, which provided missionaries who served as “meso‐mobilizing actors.” The term frame contradictions is introduced to specify the condition in which irreconcilable differences between a movement's frame and its opponent's frame are exposed, thereby facilitating frame adoption. I conclude that some type of cultural link is necessary for the development of a common frame that can integrate groups cross‐nationally and that can provide agents of mobilization to serve as a synapse through which frames can be transmitted from one country to another.