How social movements (sometimes) matter

Bibliographic Information

How social movements (sometimes) matter

David S. Meyer

Polity, 2021

  • : pb

Available at  / 3 libraries

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [233]-255) and index

Summary: "Beyond the drama and fanfare, what do social movements actually achieve?"-- Provided by publisher

Description and Table of Contents

Description

People protest to try to change the world, because they think they can help change the world, and sometimes they do. But not by themselves, and generally not just how and when they want. This incisive book explains how groups of ordinary individuals can affect the world, what makes it possible when it works, and why it sometimes doesn't go to plan. Digging into previous scholarship on social movements, David S. Meyer looks at the origins of social movements, how they contrast with revolutionary campaigns, and assesses the periodic influence of activists on politics, policy, culture, and the way people live their lives. He concludes by stressing the narratives about political change that activists construct and the power that lies in these stories. With sharp insight and a wealth of intriguing cases, this book offers a fuller understanding of the politics and potential payoffs of protest politics.

Table of Contents

Introduction Chapter 1. Why Movements Emerge and How They Work Chapter 2. Protest, Revolution, and Regime Change Chapter 3. Protest and Policy Chapter 4. Protest, Organizations, and Institutionalization Chapter 5. Protest Movements, Culture, and Participants Chapter 6. Claiming Credit References

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