Movements and Parties
Critical Connections in American Political Development

New account of the interactions between social movements and parties throughout US history and their effects on democracy.

Sidney Tarrow (Author)

9781009013963, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 August 2021

288 pages
22.7 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.476 kg

'The shocking invasion of the capital last January 6th exposed the combustible confluence of movements and parties that currently disrupts politics in the United States. Movements and Parties, written by the foremost scholar of social movements, makes clear that the insurrection to overturn the 2020 presidential election, extraordinary as it was, drew on political forces that have long disrupted the nation. Masterfully integrating sophisticated theoretical insights and rich historical narrative, Sidney Tarrow illuminates the critical but under examined relationship between social activism and institutions – weaving a fascinating tale of insurgents and party leaders animating foundational struggles over American identity from the formative alliance between Republicans and abolitionists of the 1850s to the incursion of a 'social movement society' on contemporary party politics. A must read for anyone who wants to understand the role of movements and parties in the challenges that await American democracy.' Sidney M. Milkis, University of Virginia

How do social movements intersect with the agendas of mainstream political parties? When they are integrated with parties, are they coopted? Or are they more radically transformative? Examining major episodes of contention in American politics – from the Civil War era to the women's rights and civil rights movements to the Tea Party and Trumpism today – Sidney Tarrow tackles these questions and provides a new account of how the interactions between movements and parties have been transformed over the course of American history. He shows that the relationships between movements and parties have been central to American democratization – at times expanding it and at times threatening its future. Today, movement politics have become more widespread as the parties have become weaker. The future of American democracy hangs in the balance.

Introduction
1. Movements and Parties in Contentious Politics
Part I. The 'Party Period': 2. Mass Politics in the Civil War Crucible
3. The Agrarian Revolt, Populism, and the Gilded Age Party System
Part II. The Transitional Period: 4. Women, War, and the Vote
5. Labor and Civil Rights From the New Deal to the War on Poverty
Part III. Hollowing Parties in a Movement Society: 6. The Long New Right
7. The Hybridization of the Party System
Part IV. Contemporary Conjunctions: 8. Trumpism and the Movements He Made
9. Learning About America From Comparison.

Subject Areas: Political activism [JPW], Political parties [JPL], History of the Americas [HBJK]