Politics of Indignation: Radical Democracy and Class Struggle beyond Postmodernity

Abstract

This article analyzes the social impact, dynamics, and political organization of the Spanish revolt of the Indignados. The article starts with the emergence of the 15M in Spain, criticizing the representation of the movement in the media and exposing the political and economic conjuncture of Spain at the date of the revolt. Then it analyzes the Indignados sociopolitical phenomenon as an articulation of social movements linked by one method of political decision and association: the assembly. After this, it tries to explore the limits and advantages of a noninstitutionalized approach towards social conflict, exposing the social changes the movement has introduced into the Spanish society. Finally, it points out the real obstacles for the 15M as a post-Fordist class movement in an attempt to understand the role of the Indignados like an alternative for political change in Spanish society.