The Phantom at The Opera: Social Movements and Institutional Politics

The study of movement-party relations in the social sciences has evolved, with two specialties. This Element identifies five relational mechanisms and their role in democratization and democratic resilience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The social sciences have witnessed the emergence of two distinct fields of study, largely driven by movements and parties. This Element aims to bridge the gap between these two literatures by drawing upon evidence from American political development. It identifies five key relational mechanisms that govern the interactions between movements and parties: two of which are short-term, two intermediate-term, and one long-term. Furthermore, it concludes with a thoughtful reflection on the role of movement/party relations in promoting democratization and fostering democratic resilience.

The study of movements and parties has evolved into two distinct branches within the social sciences, each with its own set of methodologies and theories. While these fields have traditionally been studied separately, there is a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between them. This Element seeks to bridge the gap between these two literatures by drawing upon evidence from American political development.

One of the key findings of this Element is that movements and parties are not isolated entities but are instead deeply intertwined with each other. These relationships can take on a variety of forms, including alliances, conflicts, and coalitions. The short-term relational mechanisms that govern these interactions include bandwagoning, mimicry, and bandwagoning. Bandwagoning occurs when individuals or groups join a movement or party simply because others are doing so, without necessarily having a strong commitment to the cause. Mimicry involves individuals or groups adopting the practices or beliefs of a movement or party in order to gain social recognition or influence. Bandwagoning is a common strategy used by movements and parties to expand their membership and influence.

The intermediate-term relational mechanisms that govern movement/party relations include power-sharing, resource allocation, and political bargaining. Power-sharing involves the distribution of power and resources among different actors within a movement or party. Resource allocation involves the allocation of scarce resources, such as money, media attention, and political support, among different groups within a movement or party. Political bargaining involves the negotiation and compromise of positions and policies between different groups within a movement or party.

The long-term relational mechanisms that govern movement/party relations include ideological alignment, institutionalization, and socialization. Ideological alignment involves the shared beliefs and values of different groups within a movement or party. Institutionalization involves the establishment of formal institutions, such as political parties or trade unions, that represent the interests of different groups within a movement or party. Socialization involves the process by which individuals and groups become members of a movement or party and develop a sense of identity and belonging.

The role of movement/party relations in promoting democratization and fostering democratic resilience is significant. Movements and parties can play a crucial role in challenging dominant power structures and promoting social and political change. They can also provide a platform for marginalized voices and promote the participation of citizens in the democratic process. However, these relationships can also be fraught with conflict and instability, which can undermine democratic institutions and processes.

In conclusion, the study of movement/party relations has evolved into two distinct fields within the social sciences. While these fields have traditionally been studied separately, there is a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between them. This Element seeks to bridge the gap between these two literatures by drawing upon evidence from American political development. The five relational mechanisms that govern movement/party relations include bandwagoning, mimicry, bandwagoning, power-sharing, resource allocation, political bargaining, ideological alignment, institutionalization, and socialization. These mechanisms can take on a variety of forms, depending on the context and the specific actors involved. The role of movement/party relations in promoting democratization and fostering democratic resilience is significant. Movements and parties can play a crucial role in challenging dominant power structures and promoting social and political change. They can also provide a platform for marginalized voices and promote the participation of citizens in the democratic process. However, these relationships can also be fraught with conflict and instability, which can undermine democratic institutions and processes.

Weight: 100g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009044516
Edition number: New ed