Commonalities Between the Speakers
Discussion around commonalities in social research and analysis
Importance of recognizing provisional evidence in rationality approaches.
Factors such as age, gender, and race might influence social dynamics.
Nature of Social Research
Emphasis on building analytical skills to identify patterns and differences.
Encourages going beyond personal beliefs to use evidence for understanding.
Moving away from the assumption of rational actor models in social dynamics.
Class Structure and Expectations
No prerequisites are required for the class.
Students from diverse social media experiences.
Engagement with readings is crucial for participation.
Grading Criteria
Focus on essay quality and the strength of arguments.
Assessment reflects collective challenges in understanding assignments.
Recap of Previous Lecture
Acknowledgement of abstract and complex concepts discussed.
Anticipation for improving understanding in upcoming weeks.
Key Analytical Questions
Three key empirical and analytic questions for assignments:
Examination of political events influencing social movements.
Availability of resources or organizations to groups.
Societal understanding of causes of harm and its implications on movements.
Understanding Social Movements
Definition emphasizes sustained mobilization and challenges over time.
Questioning the continuity of movements and their components.
Significant Historical Examples:
Civil Rights Movement, Second Wave Feminist Movement.
Analysis of various constituencies within movements with different goals and strategies.
Social Movements Dynamics
Composition of movements is diverse yet lacks coordination in some cases.
Differences in understanding and goals among groups.
Involvement of varied constituencies and external supporters.
Leadership in Movements
Common perception of leadership (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.) can be misleading.
Movements often include grassroots leaders and lesser-known figures.
Emergence of bridge leaders connecting different activist groups.
Conceptual Framework - McAdam's Model
McAdam's framework applies a political opportunity model to the Civil Rights Movement.
Key features of the model:
Opening of political opportunities.
Resource availability for collective action.
Collective consciousness about grievances (cognitive liberation).
The emergence of movements can be analyzed through these lenses, as demonstrated through historical context.
Broader Socioeconomic Processes and Political Environment
Influence of broad socioeconomic changes leading to political mobilization.
Shift in power dynamics providing opportunities for Black communities.
Indigenous organizational strength in communities facilitates mobilization.
Decline of Cotton Industry
Decline of the cotton industry as a significant factor influencing political dynamics in the South.
Economic pressures reducing Southern power in politics and creating space for advocacy.
Political Realignments
Changing alliances within political parties as a response to emerging Black electoral bases in the North.
Democratic Party's shift to engage with Black interests due to new political constituencies.
Cultural and Ideological Shifts
Cold War politics influencing the perception of racial issues on an international level.
America held accountable for its treatment of racial minorities while promoting democracy abroad.
Significant Events Leading to Social Movements
Brown vs. Board of Education (1954):
Legal decision emphasizing equality; generates hope for activists.
Emmett Till's Lynching (1955):
Sparked national outrage and catalyzed awareness of racial violence, leading to subsequent mobilization.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott Example
Genesis of sustained activism stemming from the arrest of Rosa Parks.
Initial one-day boycott leading to longer commitment due to community investment and leadership (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.).
Emphasized community organization efforts, including a carpool system for economic disruption.
Key Outcomes of the Boycott
Successful conclusion with Supreme Court ruling against segregation in public transportation after 381 days.
Demonstrates effective collective action stemming from historical grievances and mobilization structures.
Final Points on Cognitive Liberation and Collective Action
Cognitive liberation as a critical factor in understanding mobilization dynamics.
Activists must believe in their potential for change and the reduced risks involved in collective actions.
McAdam's theoretical framework highlights the interplay between organizational strength, political opportunities, and cognitive awareness in social activism.