166-085 Identities & Action: Social Movements

Formerly available as 166-257/357. Students who have completed 166-257/357 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually two first-year sociology subjects.

This subject explores forms of identity and action associated with contemporary social movements, the conflicts these movements are engaged in, their modes of organising and mobilising, the ways they produce meaning and transform culture. The subject explores forms of action and identity associated with emerging conflicts around globalisation, both in countries of 'North' as well as the 'South'. Sociological approaches are introduced and critically examined in relation to a series of case studies: Direct Action and globalisation conflicts; the ecology movement; animal rights; the Zapatista movement in Chiapas; the Chinese student movement; Islamic youth and women's movements. The rise and decomposition of social movements is explored, as well as their relationship to other forms of action, from subcultures to terrorism.