Soc 61.6 Social Movements

The opportunity structure for social movements is primarily shaped by the state, as we have discussed. But there are two other important institutions that greatly influence how social movements develop. Because social movements involve claims-making, they are actors in the political spectacle dominated by political parties. Social movements have long been seen by politicians as political opportunities — whether for or against. Movements also need attention, not only from politicians and other power-holders, but also from mass society. Social movements compete for collective "mind-share" (analogous to market share, in the sphere of public opinion) and thus need to speak to mass society. They are, for this reason, dependent on the mass media.

Think about how the social movement you are studying relates to political actors and the media. How has the direction of the movement or its relative success been shaped by political and media institutions? Has this generally been an advantage or disadvantage for the movement?

Note: This is an in-class discussion.