Social Movements and Economic Systems: From Market Change to Industry Creation

Abstract

The past several years have brought public awareness of social movements to the forefront, from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street, highlighting their ability to advocate for social change. In management research, the role of social movements in facilitating the emergence of new markets has increasingly become a research focus. This symposium brings together new research on social movements and the mechanisms through which they impact and alter economic systems. More specifically, it presents four studies that examine how and when social movements are able to address social issues by challenging existing markets and fostering the development of new ones. By explicating some of the key processes by which movement-supported markets emerge, this symposium facilitates discussion among scholars interested in the potential of markets to elicit social change. It also catalyzes dialogue on the implications for entrepreneurs and policy makers active in the development and promotion of markets benefiting the greater social good. Welcome to the Jungle: Activist and Firm Discourse and the Struggle Over Market Change Presenter: Jocelyn M. Leitzinger; U. of Wisconsin, Madison Presenter: Theodore L. Waldron; Baylor U. Presenter: Chad Navis; U. of Wisconsin, Madison SMO Strategy Choices and the Conditions that Affect Them Presenter: Charlene E. Zietsma; York U. Toward a Theory of Movement Driven Markets Presenter: Brandon H. Lee; Melbourne Business School The Institutional Antecedents of Greenwashing: SMOs and the Implementation of State RPS Policy Presenter: Wesley David Sine; Cornell U. Presenter: Arkangel Miguel Cordero; Cornell U.