POLI 2053 - Contentious Politics & Violence

Social Movements

Collective challenges to elites, authorities, or other groups

What three things define a social movement?

- (by people with) a common cause
- solidarity
- sustained interaction

Why do social movements emerge?

Political Opportunities, Group Solidarity and Mobilizing Structures, Framing Around a Common Cause

What are political opportunities?

changing political conditions or the political status quo is disrupted

Examples of political opportunities

regime change, economic crisis, wars, political realignments

What were the political opportunities in SA (anti-apartheid regime)?

pro-democracy movements following the cold war, economic inequalities, reemergence of the cause during the Civil Rights movement, international advocacy (due to repressive domestic conditions)

How do organizations mobilize structures?

Strong leadership and training, grassroots structures, dense social networks (with shared identity)

How were structures mobilized in South Africa?

African National Congress spent decades building and rebuilding movement, International when domestic politics was too hostile, Dense social networks within townships and rural communities

How are common causes framed?

Shared injustices, discrimination and problems exist ALL the time and framing about possibility for change or fear for future

How were common causes framed in South Africa?

Shared view of Apartheid as evil, brutal and unjust despite differences and drew comparisons to police brutality and inequality in other countries

Define contentious politics

Coordinated efforts by non-state actors aiming to influence political outcomes

Finish the statement: Contentious politics can be a public action to coerce and influence powerholders…

without using violence (non-violent) or through the use of physical force against people or property (violent)

Why has the success of social movements decreased by 40% from the 1990s to the 2010s-2020s?

Issues too difficult” to resolve, reliance on social media that is surveilled by repressive regimes, overreliance on mass protests without more sustained interventions

How do social movements succeed?

non-violent resistance, clear grievances and limited demands, strong mobilizing structures and opportunities for meaningful involvement, variety of disruptive, direct action

In addition to mass protests, what efforts must be taken to affect change?

“Alternative” Systems and community building paired with protests strikes, civil disobedience, boycotts, etc… • Volunteer tasks, “fun” activities… • (example: NRA and “Tea Party” Movement)

What makes for a strong organization?

A grassroots organization that helps ensure non-violence (offer trainings on nonviolence), long-term engagement, builds “alternative” systems of care and support, has resilient communities

Explain how the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo were a successful social movement?

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo were a successful social movement due to their sustained non-violent protests against the Argentine government, demanding justice for their disappeared children. They utilized public demonstrations, built strong community networks, and effectively raised international awareness about human rights abuses.