Abstract

JASPER, James M.. From Structure to Action? The Theory of Social Movements after the Big Paradigms. Sociológica (Méx.) [online]. 2012, vol.27, n.75, pp.7-48. ISSN 2007-8358.

The big theories of social movements are being reexamined. In their place are emerging analytical approaches with cultural theories that allow scholars to transit from the micro to the macro level more empirically. Social movements are made up of individuals and interactions. The perspective of rational choice recognizes this, but its version of the calculating individual is too abstract to be realistic or useful. Pragmatism, feminism, and other traditions promote a re-formulation of collective action, especially through the rediscovery of emotions and greater attention to local contexts.

Keywords : theory of social movements; new social movements; emotions; local contexts; experience of social actors.

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