Analyzing social movements from multiple perspectives: Key concepts and methodologies of study
Analyzing social movements from multiple perspectives: Key concepts and methodologies of study

Summary/Abstract: Social movements happen worldwide nowadays. They have clear or diffuse motives, imply innovative or familiar sorts of manifestations. The study of social movement can be found in sociology, social psychology, economics, political science, history, anthropology. No matter the field of study, the research interests are focused on how, why and where do mass movements occurs. Together with the development of the theoretical study over social movements through history, we can notice also a diversity of opinions regarding the methodology that should be used in order to better analyze collective actions. Brouder studies refer to the development of social movements (actors involved, narrative used, defined goals and identity). up to the impact of collective actions over the political spectrum or the discernible changes generated within a society. Strictly from a sociological point of view, social movements are collective and goal-oriented actions, based on informal networks, shared beliefs about conflictual issues and with a possible high impact over society, generating change and laying the foundations for the state’s modernisation. Talking in terms of social psychology or communication, we can infer that a social movement’s narrative and its reflection in media and public agenda represent key-elements to its developments and indicators over the strength of the social networks involved.

• Details
• Contents