CCT320H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Social Movement Theory, New Social Movements, Collective Behavior
7 Mar 2019
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
A theory: a set of concepts, definitions, relationships and assumptions that project a systematic view of a phenomenon. Help us understand the how and why social movement happen. Consist of informal networks as well as formal organizations that challenge established power structures. Developed in the west in late 18th century as modern nation-states + electoral politics and special interest groups took shape. Networks of organizations, coalitions, individuals that are sustained and engage in contentious claim-making performances aimed at targets. Enacted by participants with common interests, goals, and a distinct identity who are worthy, united, numerous and committed. The set of protest tactics available to activists in a given historical period. E. g. food riots, grain seizures, land revolts, Collective action seen as emerging during period of social disruption(in abnormal, unstable periods) rather than as normal part of political process. Focus on psychology behind crowd behavior e. g. cults, panic, riots, fads. Emphasis on individual psychology, emergent organization and social norms.
