Grievances and Public Protests: Political Mobilisation in Spain in the Age of Austerity

This book explores the role of grievances in mobilisation dynamics in a context of material deprivation, arguing that socioeconomic aspects are mediated by political attitudes, particularly political dissatisfaction. It provides a framework to account for the dynamics, trajectory, and timing of the cycle of contention in Spain during the Great Recession, contributing to social movement studies, European politics, political sociology, political economy, and economic sociology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the profound impact of grievances on the dynamics of mobilization in the context of material deprivation. It explores the underlying motivations behind people's protests and examines the extent to which grievances shape the varying scale and intensity of protest events across time. Spanning multiple levels of analysis, the author compellingly argues that the effects of socioeconomic factors, both objective-material deprivation and subjective-attitudinal grievances, are intricately mediated by political attitudes, particularly political dissatisfaction. Through the development of a comprehensive framework, the author sheds light on the intricate dynamics, trajectory, and timing of the cycle of contention that unfolded in Spain during the shadow of the Great Recession. This groundbreaking work not only contributes significantly to the field of social movement studies but also expands our understanding of European politics, political sociology, political economy, and economic sociology.

The book begins by examining the theoretical foundations of grievances and mobilization, drawing upon insights from various disciplines such as social psychology, political science, and economics. It then delves into the empirical case study of Spain, providing a detailed account of the cycle of contention that unfolded during the Great Recession. Through a rich mix of qualitative and quantitative data, the author demonstrates how grievances, political attitudes, and socioeconomic factors interact to shape the dynamics of protest.

One of the key findings of the book is that grievances play a crucial role in mobilizing individuals and groups to protest. The author argues that when people perceive that their rights and interests are being violated or threatened, they are more likely to engage in collective action to seek redress. However, the extent to which grievances account for the varying size and intensity of protest events is influenced by a range of factors, including the political context, the level of social organization, and the strategies employed by protest organizers.

The author develops a comprehensive framework to account for the dynamics, trajectory, and timing of the cycle of contention. This framework incorporates multiple levels of analysis, including individual-level factors such as political attitudes, social identity, and cognitive processes, as well as structural-level factors such as economic inequality, political institutions, and social norms. By integrating these different levels of analysis, the author provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to the emergence and persistence of protest movements.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its exploration of the role of political dissatisfaction in mediating the effects of socioeconomic aspects on mobilization. The author argues that when people are dissatisfied with their political leaders and institutions, they are more likely to turn to protests as a means of expressing their grievances and seeking change. However, the nature and intensity of political dissatisfaction can vary depending on a range of factors, including the level of political competition, the level of social mobilization, and the perceived legitimacy of political institutions.

The book also sheds light on the dynamics of protest mobilization in different political contexts. For example, it examines the role of social movements in challenging authoritarian regimes in Latin America and the Middle East, as well as the role of trade unions and labor movements in shaping economic policy in Europe. By comparing these different cases, the author highlights the diverse ways in which grievances and mobilization can take shape and the challenges that protest movements face in different political environments.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of social movement studies and political sociology. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the factors that shape the dynamics of mobilization in the context of material deprivation. Through its rich empirical analysis and theoretical framework, the author offers valuable insights into the motivations behind people's protests, the varying size and intensity of protest events, and the role of political attitudes and socioeconomic factors in mediating these processes. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers alike who seek to better understand the complex dynamics of social and political change.

Weight: 417g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030534073
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021