How Civic Action Works: Fighting for Housing in Los Angeles

Paul Lichterman's book "How Civic Action Works" provides a new conceptual framework for studying collective action by following grassroots activists, nonprofit organization staff, and community service volunteers in Los Angeles as they campaign for affordable housing, develop new housing, or address homelessness. He reveals that advocates have distinct styles of collective action that produce different understandings of what is strategic and generate different dilemmas. The book also highlights how patterns of interaction create a cultural filter that welcomes some claims about housing problems while subordinating or delegitimating others. Lichterman concludes by turning this action-centered framework toward improving dialogue between social advocates and researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, a relentless battle rages against the twin scourges of unaffordable housing and homelessness. Social advocates, driven by a profound sense of purpose, unite their forces to combat these pressing issues. Their strategies, illuminated by a novel conceptual framework for studying collective action, offer a fresh perspective on the dynamics of social problem solving.

Paul Lichterman, in his insightful book "How Civic Action Works," embarks on a captivating journey to unravel the intricate tapestry of grassroots activism, nonprofit organization staff, and community service volunteers who tirelessly strive to create a more equitable society. Through meticulous ethnography and enriched by archival evidence, Lichterman closely follows these dedicated individuals as they engage in a relentless campaign for affordable housing, develop new housing solutions, and address the devastating consequences of homelessness.

What emerges from Lichterman's profound inquiry is a paradigm-shifting understanding of how social advocates build their campaigns, craft their claims, and set their goals. He challenges the conventional notion of strategic thinking by proposing a pragmatist-inspired sociological framework that illuminates the core tasks of social problem solving, whether contentious or noncontentious. By delving into the diverse styles of collective action employed by grassroots and professional advocates, Lichterman unveils the profound impact these styles have on their understandings of what is strategic and the dilemmas they face.

One of the key insights of "How Civic Action Works" is the recognition that advocates employ distinct styles of collective action, each shaped by the unique social and institutional pressures they navigate. These styles accommodate varying perspectives and priorities, leading to diverse understandings of what is deemed strategic. For example, some advocates prioritize building broad coalitions, while others focus on forging strong alliances with specific stakeholders. These choices not only shape the advocacy landscape but also create different challenges and dilemmas for advocates.

Furthermore, Lichterman highlights how patterns of interaction within and between coalitions and organizations create a cultural filter that shapes the way housing problems are framed and addressed. These cultural patterns play a crucial role in shaping the advocacy agenda, welcoming certain claims while subordinating or delegitimating others. This cultural filter helps solve conceptual and practical puzzles, such as why coalitions fragment when members share common goals, and why advocacy campaigns often separate housing from homelessness or affordability from environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, "How Civic Action Works" offers a transformative framework for understanding the complex dynamics of collective action in the fight against unaffordable housing and homelessness. Through extensive ethnography and a deep appreciation for the power of social advocacy, Lichterman provides a rich tapestry of insights that challenge our assumptions and inspire us to engage more meaningfully in this critical social issue. By turning this action-centered framework toward improving dialogue between social advocates and researchers, Lichterman contributes to a more informed and effective response to the urgent needs of our communities.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691177519