Paths of Innovation in Social Movement Research Theory

Abstract

The introduction to the volume “Social Movements and Social Theory. Mutual Inspirations” discusses how new theoretical ideas and insights are produced. (a) The classical way is empirical research. However, its theoretical guidance, implicit or explicit, limits the chances for innovation. Three further paths of innovation are possible. (b) Innovation of empirical research methods enables new insights but also initiates the theorizing of phenomena that become accessible with the new methods. (c) Theoretical debate not only examines internal consistency but also discusses combinations of compatible approaches. The combination of theories from different fields or theory from a specific field, such as social movement studies, and general social theory provides a source for substantial new insights and important theoretical contributions. (d) The final source for innovation is broader shifts in perspective or attention, such as the cultural turn. The turns provide an opportunity to reconsider theories from a different angle. The presented volume takes the third path of combining social movement theory with general social theories. The introduction briefly presents each contribution.