Description
Book Synopsis"...effectively demonstrates the enduring importance of 'classical' social movement theory...and provides a cutting edge critical review of recent theoretical developments. This is one of the most important general theoretical texts on social movements for some years." - Paul Bagguley, University of Leeds
- Why and how do social movements emerge?
- In which ways are social movements analysed?
- Can our understanding be enhanced by new perspectives?
Making Sense of Social Movements offers a clear and comprehensive overview of the key sociological approaches to the study of social movements. The author argues that each of these approaches makes an important contribution to our understanding of social movements but that none is adequate on its own. In response he argues for a new approach which draws together key insights within the solid foundations of Pierre Bourdieu's social theory of practice.
This new approach transcends the barriers which s
Trade Review
'...a clear and accessible overview of both classical and more recent theoretical approaches in social movement research.
...a well written book that makes a persuasive case for revisiting the work of classical social movement theorists, and a stimulating reflection on the applicability of Bourdieu theory of practice within social movement research.
...an important and thought-provoking contribution to the to the social movements literature' - Robert Gibb
Table of ContentsAcknowlegements
Introduction
Social unrest, movement culture and identity
the symbolic interactionists
Smelser's value-added approach
Rational actor theory
Resources, networks and organizations
Opportunities, cognition and biography
Repertoires, frames and cycles
New social movements
Social movements and the theory of practice
a new synthesis
Bibliography
Index.
