The New Science of Social Change: A Modern Handbook for Activists

by Lisa Mueller

In this accessible guide for activists, scholar Lisa Mueller translates cutting-edge empirical research on effective protest to show how to make movements really matterWe are in the middle of a historic swell of activism taking place throughout the world. From Occupy Wall Street and the Arab Spring, to pro-democracy uprisings in China, Black Lives Matter, the Women’s March on Washington, and more recent pro-choice protests; folks everywhere are gathering to demand a more just world. Yet despite social engagement being at record highs, there is a divide between the activist community and the scientists—like Lisa Mueller, PhD—who study it.In The New Science of Social Change, Mueller highlights what really works when it comes to group advocacy, to place proven tools in the hands of activists on the ground—in the U.S. and abroad. Drawing on both her decade-long career researching the science of protest and the work of other scholars, she stresses such things as the ingredients of collective action and how protests with cohesive demands are significantly more likely to win concessions than protests with mixed demands. Incorporating interactive exercises and the voices of experienced activists with her analysis, Mueller shows how a working knowledge of social science can help activists implement more effective strategies to create the real-world changes we want to see.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

232 pages, Hardcover

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Chloe Schaefgen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read for a scientific/quantitative person who is also interested in activism. I found some of the anecdotes and data sometimes being taken out of context, which is why extrapolation is not good!! Not all data are true when applied to other circumstances… but I digress. I also found it quite pessimistic at times, especially actually reading certain sections while the ICE raids and brutal/fatal behavior were occurring in our country. However, I ultimately found the book quite thought provoking and important for emphasizing the importance of cohesive communication.

[Max Hodin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Mueller really focuses on what a pragmatic liberal can do to effectively create change. She highlights what works, regardless of popularity. I appreciated the book’s relentless interrogation of the liberal psyche that has led to subpar results. This book teaches how to act if you care about results, not appearance .

[Karen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide as well as history. If you want to learn what is most effective in being an activist this is a really good place to start.