Contesting Austerity: Social Movements and the Left in Portugal and Spain (2008-2015)

Contesting Austerity compares the contentious responses to austerity in Portugal and Spain between 2008 and 2015, highlighting the varying degrees of mobilization and institutional change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Contesting Austerity is a comprehensive analysis that delves into the contrasting responses to austerity measures in Portugal and Spain between 2008 and 2015. While in Spain, a prolonged and intense wave of mobilization lasted for three years, resulting in a significant transformation of the party system. In contrast, in Portugal, social movements mobilized only in specific instances, with trade unions playing a dominant role in protests, and institutional change was limited. This study highlights the crucial role that the nature and configurations of the players involved in the mobilization process played in shaping the trajectories and outcomes in these countries.

Contesting Austerity explores the complex dynamics between economic crises, political responses, and social movements in Portugal and Spain. It examines the varying degrees of mobilization and resistance against austerity measures across these two countries. In Spain, a sustained wave of mobilization lasted for three years, leading to a significant shift in the political landscape. This wave of protests was driven by a wide range of social groups, including trade unions, environmentalists, and social activists, who demanded a more equitable distribution of resources and a rejection of austerity policies.

In contrast, in Portugal, social movements mobilized only in specific instances, such as the 2011 protests against labor reforms. While these protests were significant, they were not as widespread or sustained as in Spain. Trade unions also played a dominant role in protests in Portugal, but they were less organized and less effective in mobilizing broader support. Institutional change was also limited in Portugal, with the government largely resisting calls for significant reforms.

The study argues that the nature and configurations of the players in the mobilization process played a crucial role in determining the outcomes of the austerity measures in these countries. In Spain, the combination of a sustained wave of mobilization, a broad range of social groups, and a strong political opposition led to significant concessions from the government and a transformation of the party system. In contrast, in Portugal, the limited mobilization, the dominance of trade unions, and the government's resistance to reforms resulted in a more limited impact on austerity policies.

Contesting Austerity provides valuable insights into the dynamics of social movements and political change in response to economic crises. It highlights the importance of a strong and diverse social movement in challenging austerity policies and promoting social justice. The study also emphasizes the role of political opposition and the willingness of governments to negotiate in shaping the outcomes of austerity measures.

In conclusion, Contesting Austerity is a valuable contribution to the study of economic crises, political responses, and social movements. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the contrasting responses to austerity in Portugal and Spain and highlights the crucial role that the nature and configurations of the players in the mobilization process played in shaping the trajectories and outcomes of these measures. The study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of social movements and political change and has implications for policymakers, social activists, and activists around the world.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463722841