“Defining Movement ‘Success’” William Gamson
Movement “Success” (350) What is the measure of success? Leaders Rank and File Honored No Change of Status Vilified Program adopted by state Collapses Victory is hollow Wins Limited Victory Limited Defeat
Success: Definition (350) Success maybe thought of as “outcomes.” Two options: 1) Acceptance: Fate of the SM organization 2) “New Advantages” for group’s beneficiaries
Success: Definition (350) Key Question: Determining Success Did a SM’s antagonists accept it as a valid spokesman for the constituency? Did the group gain the advantages it sought?
Success: Definition (350) Four Possible Outcomes: ACCEPTANCE Full None New Advantages Many Full Response Preemption Cooptation Collapse
Movement Failure The Challenge from a SM is over when: (351) Group ceases to exist Mobilization has stopped a. More than five years Major antagonist accepts the group a. Union is recognized