Freedom in Contention: Social Movements and Liberal Political Economy

Social movements have been instrumental in long-term societal transformations, promoting political democratization, economic freedom, and social equality. Freedom in Contention explores how social movements organize in repressive environments to challenge public power and authority, shaping advances in human liberty. It appeals to social scientists, decision-makers, and those interested in the impact of social movements on our lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Social movements have played a significant role in shaping long-term societal transformations, contributing to political democratization, economic freedom, and social equality. In recent years, movements such as Occupy Wall Street, the Arab Spring, and Black Lives Matter have organized protests and other contentious activities against various injustices in the world today. However, what exactly are social movements, how do they operate, and what impact do they have on society? In this groundbreaking work, social movement activities and outcomes are examined through the lens of liberal political economy. This approach emphasizes the dynamic collective choices made within multi-faceted economic, political, and social environments, with the potential to promote freedom, equality, and dignity. Drawing inspiration from the works of Friedrich Hayek, Elinor and Vincent Ostrom, and James Buchanan, Freedom in Contention explores how social movements fluidly organize in often repressive environments, bringing people together in their efforts to audaciously challenge public power and other forms of authority. Through historical and contemporary case studies, this book reveals how advances in human liberty are shaped by the struggles of social movement activists to have their concerns heard and respected. This important book will appeal to social scientists, decision-makers, and anyone interested in understanding how social movements impact our lives.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793627681