Political Science: Social Movements Study Notes

Course Announcements

  • Jordan, one of the graduate assistants, is taking his big exams on Friday.
  • Ford received a university award for being an outstanding graduate student.
  • The next exam for students is scheduled for Tuesday.
  • The review sheet for the exam is posted, and it's important to familiarize yourself with it.
  • Optional review sessions will be hosted by Jordan and Ford on Friday at 10 AM via Zoom.
  • Extra credit assignments are due Thursday at 2 PM with no extensions available.

Overview of the Course

  • The class has been exploring the relationship between citizens and politicians. Topics covered:
    • Political parties
    • Voting and elections
    • Interest groups
    • Social movements
  • Following the discussion on social movements, the next topic will cover civil liberties.

Definition of Social Movements

  • Basic Definition:
    • Social movements are loosely organized groups of people acting outside of political establishments to promote or resist social change.
    • Key components include:
    • A group of people (not just one).
    • Acting outside political institutions, like Congress.
    • Promoting or resisting social or political change.
  • Characteristics:
    • Must have a mass element; cannot consist of just one person.
    • Can have broad or specific aims.
    • Often involve politics played by outsiders who lack automatic access to power.

Successful Social Movements

  • Characteristics of Success:
    • Influential leaders to guide and unify the movement.
    • Internal cohesion to prevent division within the group.
    • Clear tactics and strategies, such as civil disobedience.
    • Numbers: Large participation facilitates influence.
    • Shared sense of grievance and commitment to the cause.
    • A catalyst event inspires action and heightens awareness.

Examples of Social Movements

  • Historical Examples:
    • Civil Rights Movement
    • Women's Suffrage Movement
    • Labor Movement
    • Anti-Vietnam War Movement
  • Successful movements usually lead to some form of political or legislative change (e.g., laws changed following the Civil Rights Movement).

Civil Disobedience

  • Definition:
    • Refusal to comply with a law as a form of protest against perceived injustice.
    • Should be a nonviolent demonstration aiming to highlight legal injustices.

Tactics of Social Movements

  • Examples of unconventional tactics include:
    • Boycotting: Refusing to purchase goods/services.
    • Protesting: Public demonstrations.
    • Disrupting: Stopping the normal flow of life (e.g., blocking traffic).
    • Civil disobedience: Nonviolent violation of laws to protest.
    • Rioting: Sometimes used as a tactic, though not an effective long-term strategy.

Example: Women’s Suffrage Movement

  • Origins: Women's rights conventions began in the 1850s, leading to organized social movements.
  • Focus: From a broad agenda, suffragists narrowed their demands to gaining the right to vote, leading to the 19th Amendment in 1920.
  • Strategies Used:
    • Public marches, media attention, hunger strikes, and public discourse.
    • Addressed societal norms and grievances regarding gender equality.
  • Opposition: Faced significant backlash based on prevailing societal beliefs about gender roles.

Conclusion

  • Social movements play a critical role in shaping political discourse and effecting change in society. Understanding their strategies and the challenges they face can provide significant insight into their dynamics and ultimate success or failure.