Protest Waves in Western Europe: a Critique of "New Social Movement" Theory

Abstract

A paradigmatic account of the recent development of social movements has become prominent in European sociology. Labor movements are said to be in decline, and new social movements to be taking their place at the center of contemporary protest and social transformation efforts. These changes are attributed to shifts in the underlying structures of modern society. This article challenges this view, questioning the underlying theoretical assumptions about the relation of class and movement, and offering an alternative framework for understanding recent developments within social movements. The article ends with some reflections on new emerging possibilities.