Social and political movements / edited by Cyrus Ernesto Zirakzadeh.

V. 1. Theorizing about movements after World War II -- volume 2. Emergence and evolution of political-process theory -- volume 3. Recent cultural approaches -- volume 4. Components, local conditions, and international contexts.

{u2018}This collection contains more than 55 writings by academics and public intellectuals. 'Social movements{u2019} refer to purposeful undertakings by people who do not hold positions of authority or wealth, but who wish to redirect their society towards new goals and values by bypassing or defying those in power. Scholarly opinions about such movements vary tremendously. Some {u2013} especially those with painful first-hand experiences of fascist regimes {u2013} fear movements, cite their extra-constitutional features, and predict authoritarian consequences if unauthorized collective actions become more common. Others {u2013} for instance those who sympathize with recent peace, environmental, or women{u2019}s movements {u2013} admire and applaud social movements, viewing them as schools for healthy citizenship.