The Transnational Anti-Apartheid Movement
POLS 3406W: Globalization and Social Movement
Transnational Anti-Apartheid Movement
Introduction In the study of social movements, several theories have been advanced to explain why different actors in different social movements behave in particular ways. The theories put forth differ in perspective, which can be explained partly by the fact that different social movements take different approaches to voice grievances as well as recruit activists and adherents which can ultimately determine success or failure. The choice of theory to apply to a social movement is also dependent on the development, evolution, and ultimate success or failure of the movement. This paper will serve to examine existing research and literature on resource mobilization theory and apply it to the transnational anti-apartheid movement to see if the theory adequately explains the movement’s success. The paper will begin with a literature review that examines the theoretical background of resource mobilization, critically and systematically pointing out the basic assumptions on which the theory is developed. Some of the fundamental concepts which resource mobilization theory rallies around are also explored. Following the literature review, a historical background of the transnational anti-apartheid movement that explores its origins and development, both on the local and international front, will be provided. The application section will apply the resource mobilization theory to the transnational anti-apartheid movement to see if the theory adequately explains the movement’s eventual success in removing the apartheid regime from power in South Africa and achieving majority rule in the early 1990’s. The paper will conclude by exploring the effects the transnational anti-apartheid movement has had on contemporary global political culture and the notion of a global civil society.
Literature Review
Understanding the collective behavior that guides social movements has been a
Transnational Anti-Apartheid Movement
Introduction In the study of social movements, several theories have been advanced to explain why different actors in different social movements behave in particular ways. The theories put forth differ in perspective, which can be explained partly by the fact that different social movements take different approaches to voice grievances as well as recruit activists and adherents which can ultimately determine success or failure. The choice of theory to apply to a social movement is also dependent on the development, evolution, and ultimate success or failure of the movement. This paper will serve to examine existing research and literature on resource mobilization theory and apply it to the transnational anti-apartheid movement to see if the theory adequately explains the movement’s success. The paper will begin with a literature review that examines the theoretical background of resource mobilization, critically and systematically pointing out the basic assumptions on which the theory is developed. Some of the fundamental concepts which resource mobilization theory rallies around are also explored. Following the literature review, a historical background of the transnational anti-apartheid movement that explores its origins and development, both on the local and international front, will be provided. The application section will apply the resource mobilization theory to the transnational anti-apartheid movement to see if the theory adequately explains the movement’s eventual success in removing the apartheid regime from power in South Africa and achieving majority rule in the early 1990’s. The paper will conclude by exploring the effects the transnational anti-apartheid movement has had on contemporary global political culture and the notion of a global civil society.
Literature Review
Understanding the collective behavior that guides social movements has been a
Cited: Craig Jenkins, J. (1983). Resource Mobilization Theory and the Study of Social Movements. Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 9, Pp. 527-553. Buechler, S. M. (1993). Beyond Resource Mobilization? Emerging Trends in Social Movement Theory. In: Social Movements: Perspectives and Issues. S. M. Buechler and F.K. Cylke. 1997. Mayfield Publishing Company, Mountain View, Pp. 193- 210. Buechler, S. M. (1995). New Social Movement Theories. In: Social Movements: Perspectives and Issues S. M. Buechler and F.K. Cylke. 1997. Mayfield Publishing Company, Mountain View, Pp. 295-319. Klotz, A. (1995). Norms in International Relations: The Struggle Against Apartheid. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Klug, H. (2000). Constituting Democracy: Law, Globalism, and South Africa 's Political Reconstruction. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Thorn, H. (2006). Anti-Apartheid and the Emergence of a Global Civil Society. New York, NY: Palgrave MacMillan Thorn, H Thorn, H. (2009). The Meaning(s) of Solidarity: Narratives of Anti-Apartheid Activism. Journal of Southern African Studies, June 2009, Volume 35, Issue 2. Pp. 417-436 Seidman, G Gurney, C. (2000). 'A Great Cause ': The Origins of the Anti-Apartheid Movement, June 1959-1960 Culverson, D. R. (1996). The Politics of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in the United States, 1969-1986. Political Science Quarterly, Volume 111 No. 1, Pp. 127-149. Culverson, D. (1999). Contesting Apartheid: U.S. Activism, 1960-1987. Westview Press. Alexander, L. M., & Rucker, W. C. Eds. (2010). Encyclopedia of African-American History. ABC-CLIO. Okoth, A. (2006). A History of Africa: African Nationalism and the Decolonization Process. East African Publishers. Barber, J. (1999). South Africa in the Twentieth Century: A Political History - In Search of a Nation State . (1st ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. Beinart, W. (2001). Twentieth-Century South Africa. (1st ed.). Oxford University Press.