This research examines the personal and political impact of participating in the Yellow Vests (YV) movement, a grassroots mobilization that began in France in 2018, spanning urban, suburban, and rural areas. It seeks to understand how such participation shapes political engagement and whether it fosters attraction to populist parties or illiberal democracies. By exploring the worldviews and political positions of vulnerable social groups, the study aims to test assumptions about the link between socioeconomic strain, political withdrawal, and far-right leanings. Conducted in southeastern France and the southern suburbs of Paris, it employs methods such as life history calendars, social media analysis, and field research.