Social movements and networks: relational approaches to collective action

This text examines the extent to which a network approach should inform research on collective action. Leading social movement researchers systematically map out and assess the contribution of social network approaches to their field of enquiry in light of broader theoretical perspective. By exploring how networks affect individual contributions to collective action in both democratic and non-democratic organisations, and how patterns of inter-organisational linkages affect the circulation of resources within and between movements, the authors show how network concepts improve our grasp of the relationship between social movements and elites and of the dynamics of the political processes.

Note: this book does not relate to the specific context of networks in the field of international development, and case studies are drawn from either episodes in history or from developed countries.

(From the publisher)