Glossary

9.4 Movement decline, success, and failure

4 min read•july 30, 2024

Social movements don't last forever. They can fizzle out due to internal conflicts, external pressure, or simply running out of steam. But even "failed" movements can leave a lasting impact, shifting public opinion or inspiring future activists.

Success isn't just about policy changes. Movements can empower marginalized groups, create enduring organizations, and transform cultural norms. Their legacy often lives on long after the protests end, shaping society in subtle but profound ways.

Factors of Social Movement Decline

Loss of Momentum and Internal Divisions

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  • Social movements can due to a loss of momentum or enthusiasm among participants often caused by a lack of visible progress or achievements
  • Movements may experience internal divisions or conflicts over goals, strategies, or leadership leading to fragmentation and a weakening of the movement (Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960s)
  • Generational shifts or changes in the demographic composition of the movement can alter its character and priorities over time
  • The of movement leaders or the incorporation of movement demands into mainstream institutions can demobilize the grassroots base (Labor Movement in the early 20th century)

External Opposition and Contextual Changes

  • External opposition, such as counter-movements, government , or negative media coverage, can undermine the legitimacy and support for a movement (Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa faced government repression)
  • Changes in the social, political, or economic context that initially gave rise to the movement can reduce its relevance or urgency (Occupy Wall Street Movement declined as the economy improved)
  • The achievement of some or all of the movement's goals can lead to a sense of completion and a reduction in participant motivation (Women's Suffrage Movement after the 19th Amendment)

Assessing Social Movement Success

Policy Changes and Public Opinion Shifts

  • The achievement of specific policy goals or legislative changes is a common measure of movement success, although the scope and durability of these changes can vary (Civil Rights Act of 1964)
  • Shifts in public opinion, cultural norms, or societal values in alignment with the movement's aims can indicate a broader impact beyond policy (LGBTQ+ Movement and changing attitudes towards same-sex marriage)
  • The ability to shape the public agenda, media discourse, or political priorities can reflect a movement's power to set the terms of debate (Environmental Movement and the global climate change conversation)

Empowerment and Organizational Capacity

  • The mobilization and empowerment of previously marginalized or excluded groups can be a significant outcome, even if formal goals are not fully realized (Black Lives Matter Movement)
  • The creation of enduring organizations, networks, or coalitions that continue to advocate for the movement's causes can provide a basis for long-term influence (National Organization for Women)
  • The personal and collective transformations experienced by participants, such as a heightened sense of agency, identity, or political consciousness, can be a form of success (Feminist Movement and women's empowerment)
  • The diffusion of movement tactics, frames, or ideas to other contexts or struggles can signify a wider resonance and impact (Nonviolent resistance tactics used in various movements)

Long-Term Impact of Social Movements

Lasting Legacies and Cultural Changes

  • Movements can leave a lasting legacy in the form of legal precedents, institutional reforms, or policy frameworks that shape future developments (Roe v. Wade and abortion rights)
  • The cultural and ideological changes promoted by movements can become embedded in societal norms, values, and practices, even if the movements themselves fade (Civil Rights Movement and racial equality)
  • The memory and symbolism of movements can inspire and inform subsequent struggles, providing models, cautionary tales, or sources of legitimacy (Stonewall Riots and the LGBTQ+ Movement)

Political Realignment and Unintended Consequences

  • Movements can alter the political landscape by realigning coalitions, reshaping party platforms, or introducing new cleavages and identities (Tea Party Movement and the Republican Party)
  • The social and organizational infrastructure created by movements, such as networks, tactics, and leadership pipelines, can be mobilized for other causes (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Anti-War Movement)
  • Movements can generate long-term effects on individual participants, shaping their life trajectories, political engagement, and sense of efficacy (Women's Movement and female political candidates)
  • The unintended or indirect consequences of movements, such as backlash, counter-mobilization, or policy drift, can shape the context for future collective action (Prohibition Movement and organized crime)

Lessons from Social Movements

Effective Strategies and Tactics

  • Successful movements often have clear and compelling goals, frames, and narratives that resonate with a broad audience and motivate sustained participation (March on Washington and "I Have a Dream" speech)
  • Building diverse and inclusive coalitions, while maintaining a coherent collective identity, can enhance a movement's resilience and impact (Rainbow Coalition in the 1980s)
  • Effective leadership, whether centralized or decentralized, is crucial for strategic decision-making, , and conflict management (Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian Independence Movement)
  • Flexible and adaptive tactics, combining disruptive and persuasive actions, can help movements navigate changing contexts and overcome opposition (ACT UP and the AIDS crisis)

Sustaining Movements and Learning from Failure

  • Sustained organizing and movement-building, beyond moments of peak mobilization, are necessary for achieving long-term goals and withstanding setbacks (United Farm Workers and the Delano Grape Strike)
  • Successful movements often cultivate allies and leverage institutional access, while maintaining grassroots autonomy and pressure (Solidarity Movement in Poland)
  • Failed movements may offer cautionary lessons about the risks of co-optation, internal division, strategic rigidity, or the neglect of movement-building and leadership development (Occupy Wall Street Movement)
  • Both successful and failed movements underscore the importance of timing, context, and contingency in shaping the outcomes of collective action (Arab Spring and the varying outcomes across countries)

Key Terms to Review (18)

Charles Tilly: Charles Tilly was a prominent sociologist and political scientist known for his extensive work on social movements, collective action, and the dynamics of political change. His ideas help explain how social movements emerge, develop, and impact public policy, emphasizing the importance of historical context and the interactions between individuals and institutions.
Co-optation: Co-optation is a process where an organization or movement absorbs and neutralizes potential threats by integrating dissenting voices or rival interests into its structure. This can lead to changes in goals and strategies that align with established power structures, often resulting in the dilution of original aims. Co-optation can significantly impact movement decline, coalition dynamics, engagement tactics, and relationships with government entities.
Decline: Decline refers to the phase in the life cycle of a social movement where it experiences a decrease in activity, membership, or public support. This stage can emerge for various reasons, including loss of focus, internal conflicts, or failure to achieve goals. Understanding decline helps to recognize the factors that contribute to both the end of movements and their potential transformations into other forms of social engagement or influence.
Direct action: Direct action refers to the use of immediate and confrontational tactics to achieve social or political goals, bypassing traditional forms of negotiation or influence. This approach often includes protests, sit-ins, strikes, and other forms of civil disobedience aimed at raising awareness or forcing change.
Emergence: Emergence refers to the initial phase of a social movement where awareness of a specific issue begins to develop among the public, leading to the formation of a collective identity and shared grievances. This phase is critical as it lays the groundwork for grassroots mobilization and coalition building, encouraging individuals to unite for a common cause, which is essential for the movement's growth and potential success. The emergence stage highlights the importance of recognizing injustices and galvanizing support before transitioning into more organized efforts.
Framing Theory: Framing theory is a communication and social theory that explores how the way information is presented (or 'framed') influences public perception and understanding of an issue. This concept is crucial for interest groups and social movements as it shapes narratives, mobilizes support, and influences policy discussions by emphasizing specific aspects while downplaying others.
Frances Fox Piven: Frances Fox Piven is a prominent American sociologist and political activist known for her work on social movements, welfare policy, and political participation. Her ideas often emphasize the power of grassroots movements in achieving social change and the importance of disruption as a strategy for mobilizing marginalized communities. This perspective connects to the dynamics of movement decline and success, as well as long-term societal shifts driven by collective action.
Grassroots organizing: Grassroots organizing is a strategy used by social movements and advocacy groups to mobilize community members at the local level, encouraging them to take collective action for social change. This approach focuses on building relationships, raising awareness, and empowering individuals to participate actively in political processes, thus connecting individuals' grievances to larger social issues.
Institutionalization: Institutionalization refers to the process by which social movements and their organizations become established, gaining stability and legitimacy within the political and social structures of a society. This transformation often leads to the formalization of movement goals, strategies, and practices, resulting in a more structured approach to advocacy and policy change. It connects deeply with how movements can either thrive through successful integration into existing institutions or face decline when their original goals are overshadowed by bureaucratic processes.
Issue framing: Issue framing is the way in which information and issues are presented to influence public perception and opinion. This concept is crucial as it shapes how people interpret social issues, guiding their attitudes and actions, and can significantly impact political discourse and decision-making.
New social movements theory: New social movements theory refers to a framework that seeks to understand the emergence and dynamics of social movements that focus on issues beyond traditional political and economic concerns, emphasizing identity, culture, and social change. This theory highlights how movements often arise from grassroots activism, aiming to address a diverse range of issues such as environmental protection, gender equality, and human rights, reflecting a shift from class-based politics to more complex forms of collective action.
Policy Feedback: Policy feedback refers to the way that policies influence political behavior and shape future policy outcomes. Once policies are established, they can create new interests, identities, and relationships among individuals and groups, which can affect how people engage in politics and support or oppose future policies.
Political opportunity structure: Political opportunity structure refers to the various external factors that influence the likelihood of a social movement or interest group achieving its goals. This includes the political environment, institutional frameworks, and the receptiveness of political elites, which can either facilitate or constrain activism and mobilization efforts.
Reform Movement: A reform movement is a collective effort to bring about social, political, or economic change, often aiming to improve societal conditions and promote justice and equality. These movements seek to address specific issues within society, ranging from civil rights and labor rights to environmental concerns and educational reforms. They can vary in scale and intensity, often utilizing various strategies including advocacy, protests, and policy proposals to achieve their goals.
Repression: Repression refers to the systematic and often violent suppression of dissenting voices, movements, or groups by those in power. This tactic is often used by governments or authorities to maintain control and prevent challenges to their authority, leading to the decline of social movements and limiting their success. Repression can take many forms, including legal restrictions, physical violence, intimidation, and surveillance, which directly impact the ability of movements to mobilize and achieve their goals.
Resource mobilization: Resource mobilization refers to the process through which social movements and interest groups gather and utilize resources—such as money, time, people, and skills—to achieve their goals and influence public policy. This concept emphasizes that the success of movements and groups often hinges on their ability to effectively organize these resources and convert them into action, which is crucial for understanding how collective action emerges and sustains.
Revolutionary movement: A revolutionary movement is a collective effort aimed at fundamental social, political, or economic change, often through radical means, including uprising, civil disobedience, or armed conflict. These movements seek to overthrow existing systems of power and replace them with new ideologies or governance structures, often driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo. Their outcomes can vary significantly, leading to either transformative successes or catastrophic failures.
Transformation: Transformation refers to a significant change in the structure, goals, or strategies of a social movement, often leading to its decline or success. It can occur when a movement shifts its focus from activism to institutionalization, adapting to new political environments or social contexts. This process can involve changes in leadership, strategies, and even core beliefs as movements evolve over time.
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