SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND POLICY CHANGE: UNDERSTANDING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN ACTIVISM AND LEGISLATION

Zahoor Ahmad Ahanger; Javid Ahmad Kumar; Nadeem Mohi Ud Din; Shakeel Ahmad Ahanger

doi:10.54443/jaruda.v3i4.212

Authors

Zahoor Ahmad Ahanger Independent Researchers
Javid Ahmad Kumar Independent Researchers
Nadeem Mohi Ud Din Independent Researchers
Shakeel Ahmad Ahanger Independent Researchers

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54443/jaruda.v3i4.212

Keywords:

Social Movements, Policy Change, Activism, Legislation, Resource Mobilization Theory, Political Process Theory, Framing Theory, Civil Rights Movement, Feminist Movement.

Abstract

Social movements have long played a pivotal role in advocating for social, political, and economic change, often serving as a catalyst for policy reform. This paper examines the relationship between activism and legislation, focusing on the processes through which social movements influence policy change. By exploring key theoretical frameworks, such as Resource Mobilization Theory, Political Process Theory, and Framing Theory, the paper highlights how social movements mobilize resources, create political pressure, and shape public discourse to achieve legislative outcomes. Case studies, including the Civil Rights Movement, feminist movements, LGBTQ+ rights activism, and climate change advocacy, illustrate the practical implications of these theories. This study discusses the factors that impact the success of movements, including media influence, political environment, and leadership. Through a comprehensive analysis, this paper provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between social movements and legislative change, contributing to a deeper understanding of the role of activism in shaping public policy.

References

 Bulkeley, H., & Newell, P. (2010). Governing Climate Change. Routledge.

 Cohen, J. L., & Arieli, T. (2020). Public Opinion and Social Movements: The Dynamics of Advocacy and Change. Cambridge University Press.

 Fraser, N. (2009). Scales of Justice: Reimagining Political Space in a Globalizing World. Polity.

 McCarthy, J. D., & Zald, M. N. (1977). Resource mobilization and social movements: A partial theory. American Journal of Sociology, 82(6), 1212-1241.

 Rupp, L. J., & Taylor, V. (2012). Drag Queens and Beauty Queens: The Politics of Gender and Sexuality. Princeton University Press.

 Snow, D. A., & Benford, R. D. (1988). Ideology, frame resonance, and participant mobilization. International Social Movement Research, 1, 197-217.

 Tarrow, S. (1998). Power in Movement: Social Movements and Contentious Politics. Cambridge University Press.

 Tilly, C. (1978). From Mobilization to Revolution. Addison-Wesley.

 Tufekci, Z. (2017). Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest. Yale University Press.

 Benford, R. D., & Snow, D. A. (2000). Framing processes and social movements: An overview and assessment. Annual Review of Sociology, 26, 611-639.

 Goffman, E. (1974). Frame Analysis: An Essay on the Organization of Experience. Harvard University Press.

 McAdam, D. (1982). Political Process and the Development of Black Insurgency, 1930–1970. University of Chicago Press.

 McCarthy, J. D., & Zald, M. N. (1977). Resource mobilization and social movements: A partial theory. American Journal of Sociology, 82(6), 1212-1241.

 Snow, D. A., & Benford, R. D. (1988). Ideology, frame resonance, and participant mobilization. International Social Movement Research, 1, 197-217.

 Tarrow, S. (1998). Power in Movement: Social Movements and Contentious Politics. Cambridge University Press.

 Tilly, C. (1978). From Mobilization to Revolution. Addison-Wesley.

 Touraine, A. (1981). The Voice and the Eye: An Analysis of Social Movements. Cambridge University Press