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POLITICS TODAY
New Social Movements
A new type of politics?
A barometer of changes in society
1. What is a “New Social Movement” (NSM)?
2. Types of New Social Movement
3. “Old” social movements
4. Why have NSMs arisen?
5. Alberto Melucci:
new types of political conflict
6. Strengths and weaknesses of NSMs
What is a New Social Movement?
“Organised activity
that encourages or
discourages social
change”
(Macionis and Plummer)
Anthony Giddens:
“A collective attempt to further a common interest or secure a common goal
through collective action
outside the sphere of established institutions”
Feminist groups
Anti-racist groups
(e.g. the Anti-Nazi
League)
Anti-War groups
Types of New Social Movement
Gay rights groups(e.g. Outrage)
Environmental groups (e.g. Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth)
Animal rights groups (e.g. Animal Liberation Front)
Common characteristics of NSMs
Critical of status quo
Focus on ONE particular issue
“Old” Social Movements
Political parties:
- inside established political system
- do not fundamentally challenge that system
Why Have NSMs Arisen?
Public disillusion with established political system
1) Distrust of politicians
2) Political system seems remote?
3) New political issues need attention
Alberto Melucci: new types of political conflict
WHO is involved?
WHAT does the conflict involve?
WHERE does the conflict occur?
WHO is involved?
Anyone (potentially)
Not class-based
Beyond Left and Right?
RepresentationParty: individual is
represented by others
Social movement: genuine
participant
WHO is involved?
WHAT does the conflict involve?
Political parties: multiple issues
(welfare, health, economy, jobs, etc. etc.)
NSMs:
single issue politics
To change the political culture
Feminist groups in 1970s:
“The personal is the political”
Politics of LIFESTYLE
Anti-Fur Industry Protests
Clothes and fashion made into
political issues
Animal Rights – since 1970s
e.g. Factory farming
Animals made political
WHERE does the conflict occur?
Political system:
Inside / invisible
NSMs:
Outside / visible
Strengths and weaknesses of NSMs
STRENGTHS:1) Can concentrate on single
issue
2) Strong commitments
3) Sense of “real” membership
4) Can build on public sympathy
WEAKNESSES:
1) OUTSIDE established system: lack influence
2) Rely on mass media
3) Public apathy
4) Bureaucratisation
5) Splits within movements:
- reformists and radicals