Sidney Tarrow

Definition

Sidney Tarrow is a prominent political scientist known for his contributions to the study of social movements, particularly focusing on how they emerge, strategize, and impact political processes. His work emphasizes the importance of political opportunity structures, collective action, and the role of social movements in shaping public policy and political change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sidney Tarrow's influential book 'Power in Movement' outlines his theories on social movements and emphasizes the connection between individual grievances and collective action.
2. Tarrow argues that social movements often thrive in environments where there are political opportunities that allow them to mobilize effectively.
3. He posits that social movements can have significant impacts on policy changes by altering the political landscape and raising public awareness.
4. Tarrow's research highlights the importance of networked activism in modern social movements, showcasing how technology can enhance mobilization efforts.
5. He collaborates frequently with other scholars, like Charles Tilly, to deepen the understanding of contentious politics and collective behavior.

Review Questions

• How does Sidney Tarrow’s concept of political opportunity structures enhance our understanding of the emergence of social movements?
  • Sidney Tarrow’s concept of political opportunity structures highlights how external factors, such as government openness and elite support or opposition, create an environment conducive to the emergence of social movements. This framework helps to explain why some movements succeed while others fail by focusing on the timing and context within which these groups operate. By examining these structures, researchers can better analyze the conditions that facilitate collective action and mobilization among individuals with shared grievances.
• Analyze how Tarrow’s theories on collective action can inform strategies for contemporary social movements.
  • Tarrow’s theories emphasize that collective action is most effective when it is strategically organized within favorable political contexts. For contemporary social movements, this means leveraging existing networks and understanding the political landscape to mobilize support. Movements can use Tarrow's insights to develop campaigns that resonate with potential supporters while adapting their strategies based on shifts in political opportunities, thereby maximizing their chances for success in influencing policy change.
• Evaluate Sidney Tarrow’s contributions to social movement theory in light of changing technologies and global communication networks.
  • Sidney Tarrow’s contributions to social movement theory remain highly relevant as they provide a foundation for understanding how technology impacts collective action today. His analysis can be evaluated against the backdrop of social media and global communication networks, which have transformed how movements organize and disseminate information. This evolution challenges traditional notions of mobilization and allows for a broader understanding of how individuals can connect across geographical boundaries, ultimately reshaping the dynamics of activism in a globalized world.

Related terms

Political Opportunity Structure:

The conditions and factors in a political environment that facilitate or hinder the mobilization and effectiveness of social movements.

Collective Action:

A term referring to actions taken together by a group of people to achieve a common goal, often seen in the context of social movements.

Social Movement Theory: An interdisciplinary framework that analyzes the emergence, dynamics, and impacts of social movements on society and politics.