A new, fully-revised and updated edition of the leading introduction to social movements and collective action – covers a broad range of approaches in the social sciences.

Now in its third edition, Social Movements is the market-leading introductory text on collective action in contemporary society. The text draws from theory-driven, systematic empirical research from across the social sciences to address central questions and concepts in the field. Sophisticated yet reader-friendly chapters offer critical analyses of relevant literature whilst exploring important issues and debates.

The global political landscape has undergone significant changes in the years since this book’s initial publication, such as the spread of online protests, the resurgence of nationalist and right-wing activity, global revolts, and increased social and economic polarization. This thoroughly updated edition offers fresh discussions of recent social movements against austerity from around the world, new empirical examples, references to recent episodes of contention, an expanded comparative approach to social movement theory in the scientific literature, and more. Positioned at the intersection of sociology and political science, this book:

• Presents an empirical and engaging exploration of contemporary social movements
• Discusses topics such as organizing within social movements, eventful protests, political opportunities, symbolism and identity in collective action, and social change
• Highlights how core mechanisms of collective action operate in different movements, past and present
• Provides a conceptual methodology useful for social science students and researchers alike
• Highlights how core mechanisms of collective action operate in different movements in the past and present

Written by two internationally recognized experts in sociology and political science, the third edition of Social Movements: An Introduction is an essential course text and a must-read for students and scholars of sociology, political sociology, political science, and social movement studies.

Donatella della Porta is Professor of Political Science and Dean of the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences at the Scuola Normale Superiore, Florence, Italy. She is also Director of the PhD program in Political Science and Sociology, and she leads the Center on Social Movement Studies (Cosmos). She has authored and edited many books, journal articles and contributions in edited volumes. Recent publications include Where did the Revolution go? (2017) and Legacies and Memories in Movements (2018).

Mario Diani is Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Trento, Italy. He was formerly ICREA Research Professor in the Department of Political and Social Sciences of Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona from 2010–2012, and Professor of Sociology at Strathclyde University in Glasgow from 1996–2001. His publications include The Cement of Civil Society: Studying Networks in Localities (2015) and articles in leading journals such as American Sociological Review and American Journal of Sociology.

Foreword to the Third Edition vi

Chapter 1 The Study of Social Movements: Recurring Questions, (Partially) Changing Answers 1

Chapter 2 Social Changes and Social Movements 31

Chapter 3 The Symbolic Dimension of Collective Action 66

Chapter 4 Collective Action and Identity 90

Chapter 5 Individuals, Networks, and Participation 113

Chapter 6 Organizations and Organizing within Social Movements 134

Chapter 7 Eventful Protests 161

Chapter 8 Political Opportunities for Social Movements 197

Chapter 9 The Effects of Social Movements 232

References 260

Index 321