Political Process Model in Social Movements

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What distinguishes social movements from political system members?

Social movements are static phenomena.

Social movements are considered challengers to the political system. (correct)

Social movements express psychological discontent.

Members of the political system are all activists.

Which of the following is NOT a core factor influencing social movements?

Efficacy

Political opportunities

Readiness

Psychological factors (correct)

What is the sequence of phases in the development of social movements as outlined in the Political Process Model?

Emergence, mobilization, institutionalization, decline (correct)

Mobilization, emergence, institutionalization, decline

Emergence, mobilization, decline, institutionalization

Institutionalization, emergence, mobilization, decline

Social movements can adapt over time. What aspect of their nature allows for this adaptation?

Their rational considerations of costs and benefits. Signup and view all the answers

Which broad socio-economic process can disrupt existing political power relations?

Wars Signup and view all the answers

What role do political opportunities play in the context of social movements?

They create windows of opportunity for mobilization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between structural power and social movements as per the Political Process Model?

Social movements have a strong relationship with those subjected to structural power. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor contributing to political opportunities for social movements?

Increased sociopolitical openness. Signup and view all the answers

What type of system facilitates easier identification of key decision-makers for social movements?

Centralized systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about decentralized political systems is true?

They provide more entry points for engagement. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can divisions among political elites benefit social movements?

They create opportunities for movements to exploit existing divisions. Signup and view all the answers

What tends to increase the number of access points for participation in a political system?

Territorial decentralization Signup and view all the answers

How does Inglehart's Modernization Theory describe the priorities of people from more secure societies?

They focus on higher-order needs beyond survival. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor might lead people to refrain from engaging in protest in a decentralized political system?

Increased representation of interests in national parliaments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential criticism of Political Opportunity Structure in explaining social movements?

It often fails to consider subjective interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

What can territorial decentralization in political systems lead to?

Increased likelihood of collective action. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major effect of the shift in the Democratic Party's electoral base from the South to the North?

Enhanced political power for urban and Northern blacks Signup and view all the answers

Which Supreme Court decision declared school segregation unconstitutional?

Brown v. Board of Education Signup and view all the answers

What role do Indigenous organizations play in social movements?

They serve as an associational basis for movements. Signup and view all the answers

What does cognitive liberation refer to?

Defining a situation as unjust and changeable through collective action Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does the political opportunity structure approach focus on?

Conditions that enable or restrict political challengers Signup and view all the answers

What do older generations prioritize more compared to younger cohorts?

Economic security and safety needs Signup and view all the answers

According to the scarcity hypothesis, what happens when survival needs are met?

Other issues become relatively more important Signup and view all the answers

What major factors characterize secure societies?

De-emphasis on political authority and emphasis on self-expression Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes new social movements (NSMs) from older movements?

Interest in post-material values and quality of life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the strategy/tactics used by new social movements?

Moderate reform through peaceful protests and various actions Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Bowling alone' highlight regarding American society?

The decline of social capital and civic engagement Signup and view all the answers

How do civic associations contribute to society?

They serve as sites for socialization and promote democratic values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a trait of secure societies?

Maximizing reproduction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Political Process Model (PPM)

Social movements are a political phenomenon, challenging political systems.
Key factors:
- Political opportunities (e.g., changes in power relations)
- Readiness (of movement to respond)
- Efficacy (belief in the ability of collective action to make a difference)
PPM emphasizes the continuous process of social movements (emergence, mobilization, institutionalization, potential decline).
Social movements represent attempts by excluded groups to mobilize political leverage.
Movement actors rationally weigh the costs and benefits of participation, using strategies to maximize success.
The PPM highlights the strong relationship between the powerful and those subject to their power.
Social movements disrupt the political system, exerting pressure for change and influencing outcomes.

Broad socio-economic processes like wars, globalization, unemployment, and demographic shifts can create opportunities for social movements.
Political opportunities:
- Political systems can become more or less open to specific groups, creating windows for mobilization.
- Political opportunities can empower excluded groups, increasing their leverage to effect change.
Example: The Civil Rights Movement (1954-1962)
- Economic factors: Decline of the cotton industry caused economic dislocation in the South
- Demographic mobility: Southern blacks migrated to cities, contributing to the formation of a black middle class and increased urbanization.
- Political opportunities:
  - Democratic Party shifted its electoral base, reducing Southern white influence and allowing Northern blacks to gain leverage.
  - Increased discomfort with segregation in the face of Cold War competition.
  - Brown v. Board of Education declared school segregation unconstitutional.
Indigenous Organizational Strength
- Existing organizations provide a basis for recruitment, idea-spreading, and leadership.
- Leadership and rewards (social recognition, emotional support) help mitigate the "free rider" problem.
Cognitive Liberation
- Expanding political opportunities signal the system's vulnerability to challenge, triggering cognitive liberation.
- Collective recognition of injustice and the possibility of change through group action.
- Processes more likely within established interpersonal networks.
- Political conditions become "meaningful events" communicating about possible success in protest.
- Empowers people to change perceived injustices.

The Political Opportunity Structure Approach

Focuses on enabling and restricting structural political conditions.
Considers:
- Openness/closeness of the political system to challengers.
- Decentralization of political institutions
  - Centralized systems have concentrated authority, making it easier to target key decision-makers.
  - Decentralized systems have more entry points for engagement but may face fragmented responses.
- Unity or division among political elites regarding a movement's cause.
- Availability of allies to support a movement.

Example: Protesting in Europe

Decentralization (territorially and horizontally) is associated with a higher likelihood of protesting.
The division of power between local, regional, and national authorities increases access points for political participation.
However, a large number of political parties in a decentralized system may reduce the need for protest because people feel their interests are already represented.

Criticism of the Political Opportunity Structure Approach

Overly broad, potentially explaining too much and therefore nothing.
Not all movements focus on political decision-making.
Underestimates the role of subjective interpretation.

Inglehart's Modernization Theory

People raised in stable societies develop different priorities and values than those raised in less stable contexts.
Increased societal security leads to a focus on higher-order needs beyond survival.
Shift in cultural values as material security increases.
Older generations who experienced hardship prioritize economic security and traditional values.
Younger generations raised in secure societies prioritize self-expression and quality of life.

Scarcity Hypothesis

Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs: as survival needs are met, other issues become more important.
Insecure Societies
- Strong leaders, order, xenophobia (politics).
- Economic growth focus.
- Emphasis on reproduction & traditional values.
Secure Societies
- Self-expression and participation.
- Quality of life as a top priority.
- Individual sexual gratification & more flexible rules.
- Less emphasis on religion and traditional authority.

"Old" Movements: focus on working-class material security.
New Social Movements: focus on post-material values of the aspiring new middle class.
Issues: Quality of life, equal rights, self-realization, participation, and human rights.
Strategies: Radical, moderate, or reformist, employing a variety of tactics, including referendums, human chains, protest camps, and street theatre.

Criticisms of Old vs. New distinction

Some NSMs are not actually new, as similar movements existed in the past.
Contemporary struggles often reflect "old" issues like economic security, well-being, and precarity of working conditions.

"Bowling Alone"

Refers to the decline of social capital and civic engagement in American society.
Civic associations provide venues for socialization, democratic value development, and practice.
High levels of social capital enhance group efficacy.
Those in civic associations are more likely to participate in political activities.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the Political Process Model (PPM) in understanding social movements and their role in challenging political systems. This quiz examines key factors influencing these movements, including political opportunities, readiness, and efficacy. Delve into how social movements disrupt the political landscape and advocate for change.