Short description:

* This is an accessible, critical survey which introduces and guides the student of social movements.

* Covers the key theories, conceptualizations and research strategies adopted in the field.

* Written by two of the most distinguished and respected authors in the field, this volume is informed by their empirical research.

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Long description:

Social Movements: An Introduction provides students with a comprehensive introduction and critical analysis of collective action in society today.

Social Movements: An Introduction provides students with a comprehensive introduction and critical analysis of collective action in society today. In the latter part of this century, social movements have become a permanent feature of modern democracies. The students' and workers' protests of the 1960s have been followed by movements focusing on women's rights, ethnic identities, peace and environmental issues. This book draws on research and empirical work across the social sciences to address the key questions in this international field.

The authors examine the structural bases of contemporary movements; the role of symbolic production in the evolution of collective action and in identity construction; the relevance of organizational factors and social networks; and interaction between movements and the political system. The book includes numerous examples drawn from particular movements to guide students through the issues covered. It is the ideal introduction for students of social movements within social and political science.

"
Social Movements: An Introduction provides a comprehensive and critical introduction to this developing literature both in Europe and the USA. The book provides a critical guide through debates around identity, and how involement in movements affects participant's sense of their own identity, in turn."
Marjorie Mayo, Goldsmith's College, University of London, UK <!--end-->

"As the most up-to-date and comprehensive review of soical movements studies,this book will undoubtedly secure a wide readership. The bibliography of over fourty pages is a particularly excellent resource and will be of great value both to students and researchers." Robert Gibb, University of Central Lancashire

"Social network analysis has come to the forefront in the study of social movements, and the highly technical aspect of social network theory may be new to many students of social movements and collective action. Diani and Della Porta present the complex concepts involved in the theory in a novice-friendly manner, and direct readers to the critical literature." Mobilization

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Table of Contents:

List of Figures and Tables.

Acknowledgements.

1. The Study of Social Movements: Collective Behaviors, Rational Actions, Protests, and New Conflicts.

2. Social Movements and Structural Change.

3. Symbolic Production by Social Movements.

4. Collective Identity.

5. Movement Networks.

6. Social Movements and Organizational Form.

7. Forms, Repertoires and Cycles of Protest.

8. The Political Context of Social Movements.

9. Social Movement Outcomes.

Notes.

References.

Index.

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