Social Control and Movement Outcome: The Case of Aim

Abstract

Abstract The American Indian Movement (AIM) was one of several organizations within the modern Native American movement. We analyze AIM using current variants of resource mobilization approaches, new social movement theory and the political process model to explain the organization's rapid demise. We found AIM to be characterized by its urban roots, its militant tactics, and its efforts to produce a collective identity of pan-tribalism. We conclude that, because AIM was unable to foster a collective identity that could sustain the organization, the government's severe social control techniques were successful. The underlying cause of the state's repression of AIM was economic. AIM represented a threat to government and corporate interests in energy resources on land with Native American title.