10. Social movements

Snapshot: Protesting for peace: the 2003 anti-war movement
Processes of social change—Movements in Australia—Australian counter movements—Social movement society?

1. Social movements can be distinguished from organised groups in that their aims move beyond legislative or policy change, to attempts to change social and political values. Can you think of some examples?

2. How effective is public protest in influencing political policy in the current Australian political climate? Consider the case study of the 2003 anti-war movement.

3.  Some theorists have suggested that protests, marches and rallies are losing their disruptive role and becoming part of the conventional repertoire of participation and democratic practice. What are some alternatives?

4. Have we become a ‘social movement society’? Are social movements themselves now a conventional part of the political process?

5. Consider the emergence of counter-movements as outlined in table 10.2. What are the implications for the social movements they oppose?

6. How does the recent focus on climate change fit in with the authors’ discussion of social movements? Do you think government policy on this issue has been influenced or determined by a broader social movement?

7. Discuss the media portrayal of protest actions. What are the dilemmas faced by groups wanting to secure media attention? How might they attempt to resolve them?

Resources

Online database of interest groups and social movements worldwide
GetUp

Verity Burgmann, Power, Profit & Protest, pp1-9
Read an extract (PDF)