Social Movements: An Introduction

by Donatella della Porta, Mario Diani

A new, fully-revised and updated edition of the leading introduction to social movements and collective action - covers a broad range of approaches in the social sciences.

Now in its third edition, Social Movements is the market-leading introductory text on collective action in contemporary society. The text draws from theory-driven, systematic empirical research from across the social sciences to address central questions and concepts in the field. Sophisticated yet reader-friendly chapters offer critical analyses of relevant literature whilst exploring important issues and debates.

The global political landscape has undergone significant changes in the years since this book's initial publication, such as the spread of online protests, the resurgence of nationalist and right-wing activity, global revolts, and increased social and economic polarization. This thoroughly updated edition offers fresh discussions of recent social movements against austerity from around the world, new empirical examples, references to recent episodes of contention, an expanded comparative approach to social movement theory in the scientific literature, and more. Positioned at the intersection of sociology and political science, this book:

Presents an empirical and engaging exploration of contemporary social movements Discusses topics such as organizing within social movements, eventful protests, political opportunities, symbolism and identity in collective action, and social change Highlights how core mechanisms of collective action operate in different movements, past and present Provides a conceptual methodology useful for social science students and researchers alike Highlights how core mechanisms of collective action operate in different movements in the past and present Written by two internationally recognized experts in sociology and political science, the third edition of Social Movements: An Introduction is an essential course text and a must-read for students and scholars of sociology, political sociology, political science, and social movement studies.

Genres: Sociology, Social Movements, Politics, Academic, Anthropology, History, Nonfiction

352 pages, ebook

First published January 12, 1999

Reviews

[Aslihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book provides a comprehensive conceptual framework for an elementary reader of social movements. This helps to understand how social movements are defined, who their constituents are, the process by which individuals engage in collective action. Therefore, while the book is useful as a preliminary reading on social movements, it lacks depth in addressing the historical transformations of social movements and the diversity of internal mechanisms and conflicts. There is very little on historical processes that have led to the consolidation of movements as dynamos of social and political change. There is also very little reference to social movements themselves as empirical evidence, except for global justice movement, which is well known to be the primary field of inquiry for the authors. For a full understanding of social movements, one should at least support this reading with others like Tilly, Tarrow, maybe more recently Castells.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dense, but interesting as well. A complete breakdown of the sociology of social movements, different theories, studies, et cetera, in as concise an explanation as can be done. But still heavy. Very.

[Tau · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horribly written, horribly organised.

The book does contain information about how social movements can be conceptualised, has some historical sketches of how it changed over time... but it is seemingly all thrown in randomly.

There are editing errors like verbatim repeated passages or mentioning that there are two problems with something, and then only mentioning one.
The subheadings dont make sense and the text belonging to it does not actually talk about the stated topic.
It goes over the same things again and again, but you cannot be sure if its the same or not, because it also jumps back and forth in time, back and forth between different frameworks and theories... it's a mess.
I'm even taking notes, but afterwards I need to re-arrange all the notes so that they make sense.
I feel like I would have a clearer understanding of the topic if I just read individual papers.

On top of that it is written in a totally dry, lazy academic style with long, winding sentences with a lot of jargon that could've been expressed simpler and clearer. If this was mine, it would be the horrible first verbose draft - afterwards I would spend hours and hours to organise and streamline things. This has patently not happened here.

These observations, together with the incessant citing of their own works make me think this was a work produced out of pure self-interest... to make money, to get more citations and boost their h-index, to get more status... it's sad.

This all makes the book just very confusing and frustrating, like I'm just reading through the hastily thrown together garbage that somebody didn't care about. I spent my money and time on it, and they repay me with a slap in the face.

[Casey Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dense, but enjoyable as well. A complete breakdown of the sociology of social movements, different theories, studies, et cetera, in as concise an explanation as can be done. But still heavy. Very.
The book provides a comprehensive conceptual framework for an elementary reader of social movements. This helps to understand how social activities are defined, who their constituents are, the process by which individuals engage in collective action. Therefore, while the book is helpful as a preliminary reading on social movements, it lacks depth in addressing the historical transformations of social activities and the diversity of internal mechanisms and conflicts. It is very little on historical processes that have led to the consolidation of movements as dynamos of social and political change. There is also a minimal reference to social movements themselves as empirical evidence, except for the global justice movement, which is well known to be the primary field of inquiry for the authors.

[عصام محمد]

ممكن نبذة عن الكتاب

[Pixelschmelzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es hält was es verspricht. Eine hilfreiche, gut geschriebene Einführung in die moderne Bewegungsforschung

[Chanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dense, but practical and powerful.

[Sina]

Great reference guide on Social Movements--it's definitely one of the canonical anthologies for me.

[May Somyanontanakul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for those who want to study social movements.

[Hagar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to social movement theory.