The Unfinished Revolution
Social Movement Theory and the Gay and Lesbian Movement

Compares the post-Second World War histories of the American and British gay and lesbian movements.

Stephen M. Engel (Author)

9780521003773, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 July 2001

254 pages, 11 b/w illus. 4 tables
22.7 x 15.6 x 1.9 cm, 0.425 kg

'… Engel's effort is a worthwhile attempt to test the applicability of social movement theory with the realities of gay and lesbian movement in the UK and the US.' Yi-chun Wang, Sexualities

The Unfinished Revolution compares the post-Second World War histories of the American and British gay and lesbian movements with an eye toward understanding how distinct political institutional environments affect the development, strategies, goals, and outcomes of a social movement. Stephen M. Engel utilizes an electic mix of source materials ranging from the theories of Mancur Olson and Michel Foucault to Supreme Court rulings and film and television dialogue. The two case study chapters function as brief historical sketches to elucidate further the conclusions on theory and whilst being politically-oriented, they also examine gay influence and expansion into mainstream popular culture. The book also includes an appendix that surveys and assesses the analytical potential of five critical understandings of social movements: the classical approach, rational choice, resource mobilization, new social movement theories, and political opportunity structures. It will be of value to academics and students of sociology, political science, and history.

Introduction: opening remarks
1. Asked and answered: how questions can condition conclusions in social movement theory
2. Tracing the rainbow: an historical sketch of the American gay and lesbian movement
3. Tracing the rainbow: an historical sketch of the English gay and lesbian movement
4. Where and how it comes to pass: interest group interaction with political institutions
5. Asking the unasked question: grappling with the culture variable
Conclusion: final thoughts.

Subject Areas: Gay & Lesbian studies [JFSK]