Impact of Social Movements on European Party Systems

Abstract

The evolution of new social movements in Western Europe creates several problems for established political parties. New social movements demand programmatic changes, green parties attract voters who previously supported established parties, and movement activists prefer decentralized party organizations. This article analyzes the success of established parties in coping with these programmatic, electoral, and organizational challenges. The article concludes that while established parties increasingly meet the programmatic and electoral challenge, they are less successful in meeting the organizational demands of new social movements.