POLITICS TODAY New Social Movements A new type of politics? A barometer of changes in society

1. What is a New Social Movement (NSM)? 2. Types of New Social Movement 3. Old social movements 4. Why have NSMs arisen? 5. Alberto Melucci: new types of political conflict 6. Strengths and weaknesses of NSMs

What is a New Social Movement? Organised activity that encourages or discourages social change (Macionis and Plummer)

Anthony Giddens: A collective attempt to further a common interest or secure a common goal through collective action outside the sphere of established institutions

Feminist groups Anti-racist groups (e.g. the Anti-Nazi League) Anti-War groups Types of New Social Movement

Gay rights groups (e.g. Outrage) Environmental groups (e.g. Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth) Animal rights groups (e.g. Animal Liberation Front)

Common characteristics of NSMs n Critical of status quo n Focus on ONE particular issue

Old Social Movements Political parties: - inside established political system - do not fundamentally challenge that system

Why Have NSMs Arisen? Public disillusion with established political system 1) Distrust of politicians 2) Political system seems remote? 3) New political issues need attention

Alberto Melucci: new types of political conflict WHO is involved? WHAT does the conflict involve? WHERE does the conflict occur?

WHO is involved? Anyone (potentially) Not class-based Beyond Left and Right?

Representation Party: n individual is represented by others Social movement: n genuine participant WHO is involved?

WHAT does the conflict involve? n Political parties: multiple issues (welfare, health, economy, jobs, etc. etc.) n NSMs: single issue politics

To change the political culture Feminist groups in 1970s: The personal is the political Politics of LIFESTYLE

Anti-Fur Industry Protests Clothes and fashion made into political issues

Animal Rights – since 1970s e.g. Factory farming Animals made political

WHERE does the conflict occur? Political system: Inside / invisible NSMs: Outside / visible

Strengths and weaknesses of NSMs STRENGTHS: 1) Can concentrate on single issue 2) Strong commitments 3) Sense of real membership 4) Can build on public sympathy

WEAKNESSES: 1) OUTSIDE established system: lack influence 2) Rely on mass media 3) Public apathy

4) Bureaucratisation 5) Splits within movements: - reformists and radicals