2 - Organization and Strategy in Social Movements

Summary

Social movements around the world have demonstrated the power of collective action to bring about significant cultural and political change (Tarrow 2011). The potential for a social movement exists when people have grievances or concerns about a problem and want change; emotions such as anger, resentment, and fear are powerful motivations for collective action. Threats, including environmental hazards, can intensify feelings of grievance and increase incentives for collective action (Almeida 2019). But movements do not simply “happen” in response to upsetting conditions. Climate change, notably, has provoked many complex emotions, including fear, helplessness, and guilt, which have made it hard for many people to respond to the crisis (Norgaard 2011:80). Movements can provide ways for concerned people to act together, and experiences with collective action can create hope that change is possible.