Foundations of Activism and Social Movements

Activism

Extensive and vigorous involvement in political activity, either within or outside the party system.

Social Movement

Collective and sustained efforts challenging existing or potential laws, policies, norms, or authorities using both institutional and extra-institutional tactics.

Why Study American Activism?

It relates to the First Amendment, institutional responses, and historical/cultural significance.

Boston Tea Party (Meyer's View)

It was a dramatic event, not a social movement. It led to consequences like the Intolerable Acts and military rule in Boston.

Federalist 10 (Madison)

Argued factions are inevitable and must be controlled through a large republic and a representative government.

Madisonian System

Designed to prevent tyranny through checks and balances, separation of powers, and institutionalized dissent.

Institutionalized Dissent

Encourages conflict within the system to prevent uprisings.

Activism and the Courts

Courts regulate activism through time, place, and manner restrictions while maintaining neutral enforcement.

First Amendment Limitations (Recognized by Courts)

Restrictions include noise levels, signage on government property, and limits on participants for safety.

Public Forum Doctrine

Defines types of forums (traditional, designated, limited, and non-public) and their restrictions.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Student protest upheld.

Bethel v. Fraser

Student's vulgar speech not protected.

Texas v. Johnson

Flag burning as protected speech.

Snyder v. Phelps

Offensive speech at funerals upheld.

David Aberle's Types of Social Movements

Alterative - Seeks limited change for individuals (e.g., recycling campaigns). Redemptive - Seeks total change for individuals (e.g., religious movements). Reformative - Seeks limited societal change (e.g., women's suffrage). Transformative - Seeks total societal change (e.g., revolutions).

Three Ways Social Movements Matter (Meyer)

Affecting public policy. Changing political institutions. Educating activists.

Karl Marx

Believed social movements arise from class struggle; capitalism leads to worker alienation, causing revolution.

Max Weber

Social movements occur due to legitimacy crises; rationalization of society increases bureaucracy.

Emile Durkheim

Social movements arise from breakdowns in social integration; modern society shifts from mechanical to organic solidarity.

Gustave LeBon (Crowds)

Believed crowds act emotionally and irrationally, leading to unpredictable actions.

Woodstock '99

Example of crowd mismanagement, resulting in chaos and violence.

Herbert Blumer's Symbolic Interactionism

Meanings shape human interaction; social movements evolve in five stages (emerge, coalesce, bureaucratize, outcome, decline).

Blumer's Types of Crowds

Casual - Random groups (e.g., people at a bus stop). Conventional - Gather for a purpose (e.g., concerts). Expressive - Emotional gatherings (e.g., rallies). Acting - More intense, sometimes violent (e.g., riots).

Merton's Strain Theory

Societal structures create pressure, leading to deviance when legitimate means are unavailable.

Relative Deprivation

Social movements arise when people perceive themselves as disadvantaged compared to others.

Political Opportunity Theory

Political structures shape movement success; openness of institutions determines protest effectiveness.

Eisinger & Tilly's Findings

Movements thrive in semi-open systems but struggle under repression or full acceptance.

Cycles of Protest

Movements rise and fall based on political and social opportunities.

Counter-movements

Oppositional movements emerge when the original movement gains success and threatens interests.

Coalitions

Collaboration between organizations for shared goals, though difficulties include leadership issues and competition.

Suffrage Movement

Example of a long-term, successful reformative social movement.

Best Predictor of Activist Involvement (Meyer)

Whether a person has been asked to participate.

Key Actors in Activism

Professionals - Organizers and recruiters. Activists - Core movement participants. Entrepreneurs - Profit-driven individuals capitalizing on movements. Radicals - Passionate but sometimes problematic members.

Collective Action Frame

A framework used to engage and mobilize supporters.

SES and Activism

Higher socioeconomic status correlates with increased activism due to resources and efficacy.

Slack Time

Activism participation increases when individuals have free time and financial stability.

Middle-Class Ethos

Encourages investment in long-term social change.

Free Riders

People who benefit without contributing; controlled through membership fees or small group structures.

Symbolism in Activism

Political symbols unify people but can prevent critical thinking.

Best Practices in Activism

Clear messaging. Framing issues effectively. Engaging with uninformed individuals. Using symbols and rituals for cohesion. Avoiding violence. Maintaining professionalism.

Lobbying

Direct influence on policymakers to achieve movement goals.

Iron Triangle

The interaction between legislators, lobbyists/activists, and administrators in policy-making.