How do we measure success? The experimental value of OWS By Silas Harrebye

Typological dimensions

What are we talking about? From Thomas Thorhauge, Kom Hjem

ONE defintion of the public sphere: A public sphere emerges when people come together to debate political issues that involve the nature and constitution of political authority.

Social struggles for justice

Circular cycles of contention Grumbling Triggers Mobilisation Tipping Point (Imediate effect) Decline (Long term impact)

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So what is the experimental value of OWS? Things can always be otherwise. Therefore every order is based on the exclusion of other possibilities. Including an orderly public sphere. OWS had democratic legitimacy, not only because it (supposedly) represented the 99%, it also had democratic value because people dared to experiment with how the public sphere might also look like, feel like and sound like. And… as its true of all experiments: Failure also adds value. It reveals weaknesses and makes you stronger. And, maybe, more humble. But was OWS a success? That depends on one’s success criteria and entails a discussion about the possibility to even measure the impact of contentious politics and social innovation…