Abstract
Collective identity formation is important because it plays a crucial role in sustaining movements over time. Studying collective identity formation in autonomous groups in the Global Justice Movement poses a challenge because they encompass a multiplicity of identities, ideologies, issues, frames, collective action repertoires, and organizational forms. This article analyzes the process of collective identity formation in three anti-capitalist globalization groups in Madrid, Spain, based on 3 years of ethnographic fieldwork. The author argues that for new groups practicing participatory democracy the regular face-to-face assemblies are the crucial arena in which collective identity can form and must be both effective and participatory in order to foster a sense of commitment and belonging. The article raises the possibility that scholars should consider what seems to be an oxymoron: the possible benefits of “failure” for social movements.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 377-404 |
Number of pages | 28 |
Journal | Sociological Inquiry |
Volume | 80 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 12 Jul 2010 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2010 |
Keywords
- collective identity
- global justice movement
- Spain
- politics
- protest
- social movements
- autonomy