Social Movements

The social movements field has divided into separatist camps. A "structuralist" approach, or one that focuses on political processess, is favoured by some analysts, while a "culturalist" approach, or studies that focus on questions of culture, meaning and identity is the preferred analytical lens for others. This text aims to bridge the gap between "political opportunities" theorists who look at the circumstances and effects of social movement efforts and "identity theorists" who focus on the reconstruction of meaning and identity through collective action.