Introduction

Abstract

This chapter presents the rationale and justification for the study and the selected cases of Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana. Using the historical contextual socioeconomic, political and cultural backgrounds of these selected cases, the trajectory of social movements, activism and protest actions were foregrounded. Additionally, this chapter outlines the methodological approach of ethnography, interviews and cyber-ethnography adopted in collecting data for the study and the theoretical frameworks of communication rights by Castells (Networks of outrage and hope social movements in the internet age. Polity Press, 2012), resource mobilisation theory by McCarthy and Zald (The American Journal of Sociology, 82(6), 1212–1241, 1977) and black consciousness theory of Steve Biko (1978, I write what I like. London: Bowerdean Press), which were unpacked and situated within the context of the study. Lastly, the chapter conceptualises social movements, activism and social change, which social movements and activists seek to change. It concludes by arguing that in the readings of social movements, activism, and their situation within the context of the study, such readings should examine ‘elitism’, ‘personalisation’ and ‘image branding’ that have characterised social movements and activism in Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana.