social movements

S&S definition of a social movement

an informal collective mvt of people that is loosely coordinated with flexible tactics, having some sort of leadership to ensure coherent actions

4 constitutive elements of social movements (Rucht)

1. mobilized network of groups and organizations

2. sense of collective identity

3. bringing about or resisting social change

4. mainly using public and collective protest

role and scope of social movements in democracies (2)

1. availability of other channels of expression can reduce their need
2. typically about influencing policy

role and scope of social movements in autocracies (2)

1. less scope for activity - often restricted if in opposition
2. regime change/office attainment might be the ultimate goal

4 examples of social movements

1. workers' movement
2. women's movement
3. environmental movement
4. far-right movements

4 functions of social movements

1. indicating problems
2. challenging elites
3. demanding structural/institutional reform
4. promoting new ideas or gradual change

3 factors of formation + success (Rucht)

1. political opportunity structure - conditions surrounding formation (formal channel alternatives, government behavior, economy)
2. resource mobilization - "improvement entrepreneurs" collect and utilize resources
3. communication - framing of issues

3 main actors social movements interact with

1. opponents
2. allies
3. bystanders
   --> may benefit from transnationalization (think global women's movements like MeToo)

4 possible explanations for growing importance of social movements

1. decline of conventional modes of political representation
2. more educated citizens
3. rise of post-material values
4. revolution in electronic communication/social media

4 strengths vs weaknesses of social movements (conflicting views)

1. loose organization: flexibility or reflecting weakness?
2. disrupting or building?
3. opposing or problem solving?
4. short term or long term?

(potential) 3-step progression involving social movements

1. protest activity
2. social movement takes root
3. shift to conventional politics to resolve the issue