Spatial dynamics of protest: Themes and trajectories

Abstract

AbstractIn this article, I discuss some ongoing and emerging debates on spatial dynamics of protest and examine different approaches in studying spaces of protest. With a thematic approach, I first discuss studies that engage with space from a bird's eye view perspective. These studies generally focus on relational dynamics of space and examine how socioeconomic, political, and cultural elements of spatially bounded entities provide spatial contexts for mobilization and protest. I then turn to space/movement relations through revisiting dynamics of social movements as they unfold in space. Three main lines of research help in structuring these scholarly conversations: claim making; policing and control of space; and meaning making and cultural production. Finally, I discuss some new and evolving themes and trajectories, including virtual spaces and their interactions with the physical space. I conclude by discussing how these approaches intersect and shape our knowledge of spatial dynamics of protest.