Power and Networked Social Movements Karine Nahon and Manuel Castells

The goal – dynamics of power The method – eclectic The contribution –a framework of analysis to examine the process of political representation through the lenses of information control and power relationships Lit: Castells, 2009, 2012; Nahon, 2009, 2009, 20011; Mason, 2012; Juris, 2008; Lievrouw, 2011; Earl, 2011,2012;

Networks of Power and Social Structure

Code Power - Rules Rules of representations Rules of participation

Networks of Power and Social Structure

Dynamics – network gatekeeping power Inclusion/Exclusion – Who is a citizen? – Who is entitled to certain rights? – Prioritize groups that promote the gatekeeper’s interest – Exclusion of groups that risk network-making power – Legislation to bound the power of the judicial system Switching-making power

Counter Power- Background Israel – housing crisis, unbearable cost of living Spain - Financial crisis, high rates of unemployment, housing crisis for the youth and threat to Internet freedom.

Counter Power - The Message We don’t have a democracy because government is captured by financial interests and personal interests of politicians. There is a disconnect between network- making power (setting the goals of the democratic network) and the code power (how these goals are achieved, rules of representation). It is not about the crisis, but about the management of the crisis.

Counter Power - Goals Both - change political system, reprogram political representation and participation Israel – achieve “social justice”, Spain – those responsible for the crisis should pay for it, keep the welfare state, control corruption, replace current corporate media

Demands, Slogans and Leadership No specific demands. Every possible demand.

The formal channels of the protesters and the Trachtenberg committee (Gov.) Discussions about the tents movement and the Trachtenberg committee

Networks of Power and Social Structure

Outcomes – Consciousness- making Both - A change of mind of how people think about elementary components of representation and participation (88% in Israel and 75% in Spain in support of the movement) Spain - consciousness of being a global node

Outcomes – Organization- making Leaderless Decision making by assembly Constant networking in the internet (new forms of organization and participation) Rhizomatic logic

Outcomes-Institutions Making Spain – none Israel – five areas – housing, tax, social services, cost of living, fiscal policy, and macro economy environment

Conclusions Relationship between characteristics of the movement and impact on society The network capacity of the movement Gatekeepers and Movements

Thanks Karine Nahon and Manuel Castells