The politics of transformation : local activism in the peace and environmental movements
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The politics of transformation : local activism in the peace and environmental movements
（Praeger series in transformational politics and political science / Theodore L. Becker, series editor, no. 1）
Praeger, 1992
- : alk. paper
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Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. [245]-251) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This book is a study of local grassroots activism in two major political areas, the peace and environmental movements, over a period of five years. Interviews with leaders of 166 different groups in five states (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, California, and Oregon), supplemented by personal observation and participation in several of those groups are the foundations of this analysis. The major concerns are the components of group and movement successes, both short-run and long-run, and activist group adaptations to change in the larger social and political world in light of political upheaval in Eastern Europe, the Gulf War, and several environmental crises that occurred during the period in question. Finally, Zisk focuses on the growing convergence (and barriers to convergence) of the movements.
After examining short run accomplishments, Zisk concludes that most of the groups in both movements are faring poorly: few of their concrete goals are achieved, media attention is poor, and membership growth is problematic. For both movements, the transformational wings (those that press for basic changes, use consensus decision making, have few paid staff members) are not doing so well as the incremental wings (those seeking limited goals, using traditional decision techniques, employing larger staffs). This book should be of interest to students and teachers of political science and sociology.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Study and the Concepts Introduction: Why and How to Study Grassroots Movements The Study and Its Context Components of Movement Group Success Organizational Building, Structure, and Process Organizational Structure, Goals, and Maintenance Activities Leadership and the Consensus Process: Tensions between Group Process and Political Success, with a Focus on American Greens Group/Movement Strategies and the Question of Success Lobbying and Litigation Efforts of Peace and Environmental Groups Movement Groups and the Electoral Process Protest Strategies
- Vigils, Civil Disobedience, and "Monkeywrenching" Movement Building, Education, and Outreach Coalitions among Peace and Environmental Groups: A Comparative Study of the Impact of Local Political Culture Conclusion What Price Success? Organizational Structure, Decision Making, and the Ability to Adapt to Change What Price Political Transformation? Barriers to Movement Success in the United States Appendix: A New Look at an Old Question--Participant Observation for Political Scientists References Index
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