6 Movement Dynamics and State Response Free Online FlashCards

What does a social movement’s trajectory describe?

A movement’s trajectory is how its activity, organization, aims, and influence change over time.

What factors can contribute to a protest cycle’s decline?

Protest cycles may recede through reform, repression, institutionalization, declining participation, or exhaustion. These patterns are not inevitable stages.

How can leadership support a social movement?

Leaders and organizers recruit participants, frame issues, coordinate action, negotiate with officials, and help maintain commitment.

How can internal disagreements affect a movement?

Disagreements may reflect different assessments of what is achievable. They can create factional conflict, but can also generate strategic alternatives and broaden appeal.

What is a coalition in social movements?

A coalition is an alliance among organizations or constituencies that coordinate around shared aims while retaining some independence.

What trade-off can coalitions face between breadth and coordination?

A broad coalition may attract more support but make unified strategy harder. A narrower alliance may coordinate more easily but reach fewer people.

What is a countermovement?

Countermovements are organized efforts to oppose a movement’s goals or defend existing arrangements.

Why does repression not have a uniform effect on protest?

Repression can raise participation costs and deter mobilization, but may also generate anger, solidarity, public sympathy, or renewed protest. Its effects depend on context.

Name two analytical categories of protest policing.

Protest policing approaches include escalated force, negotiated management, command and control, and strategic incapacitation. Authorities may combine approaches.

How do protest policing and protest tactics interact?

Authorities and protesters adapt to each other: policing shapes where, when, and how people can protest, and protesters adjust their tactics in response.

Why doesn’t less visible protest necessarily mean movement failure?

A decline in visible protest alone does not show success or failure. It may reflect exhaustion or repression, but also partial victory, institutional shifts, or new tactics.

What is a cycle of protest?

A cycle of protest is a period when contention expands across groups, places, or issues and protest becomes more frequent or varied.