Abstract
This paper aims to show that changes in social-scientific approaches are needed as a way to explain and understand social protest and movements in the South American context; it also aims to point up the possibilities for getting lost in the logic of a geo-politically centred rationality. To this end, first, I will summarise the social context of different social movements and protest forms since the 60s. Second, I will present a synthesis of the theoretical perspectives on social protest and movements. Third, I will highlight some epistemological and methodological issues in studies on collective action. And finally I will explore the connection between the historical context and studies of collective action in South America today, in order to identify a current agenda for such studies.
Highlights
This paper aims to show that changes in social-scientific approaches are needed as a way to explain and understand social protest and movements in the South American context; it aims to point up the possibilities for getting lost in the logic of a geo-politically centred rationality
First, I will summarise the social context of different social movements and protest forms since the 60s
I will explore the connection between the historical context and studies of collective action in South America today, in order to identify a current agenda for such studies, This agenda must be alert to absences, symptoms and messages written with the same South-American focus − which does not pay attention to the shrewdness of academic reason − so as to not be lost in a perpetual search for the Other
Summary
The history of South American social movements can be organised into four periods: 1) since the 60s, the shift from class conflict to popular mobilisation; 2) the emergence of the human rights movement, during the 70s, against the authoritarian process; 3) the sprouting of new social movements in the context of democratic renewal processes in the 80s; and 4) the emergence of the struggle against neo-liberalism.. The history of South American social movements can be organised into four periods: 1) since the 60s, the shift from class conflict to popular mobilisation; 2) the emergence of the human rights movement, during the 70s, against the authoritarian process; 3) the sprouting of new social movements in the context of democratic renewal processes in the 80s; and 4) the emergence of the struggle against neo-liberalism.1 These stages can be described as a set of conflict networks and forms of collective action.
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