How Protestors Win And Lose: Oxford Studies In Culture And Politics

Protests are a powerful tool for social and political change. They can raise awareness of important issues, put pressure on decision-makers, and even lead to policy changes. However, not all protests are successful. Some fizzle out quickly, while others achieve their goals. What makes the difference?

Gains and Losses: How Protestors Win and Lose (Oxford Studies in Culture and Politics)

by James M. Jasper

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Language	:	English
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In their book 'How Protestors Win And Lose', Oxford Studies In Culture And Politics scholars Donatella della Porta and Mario Diani argue that the success of a protest depends on a number of factors, including its size, its level of organization, and the tactics it uses. They also identify a number of common pitfalls that can lead to protest failure.

Factors Contributing to Protest Success

• Size: Larger protests are more likely to attract media attention and put pressure on decision-makers. However, they can also be more difficult to organize and control.
• Organization: Well-organized protests are more likely to be successful. This includes having a clear set of goals, a plan for how to achieve them, and a team of dedicated volunteers.
• Tactics: The tactics used by protestors can have a significant impact on the outcome of a protest. Nonviolent tactics are typically more effective than violent tactics, as they are less likely to alienate potential supporters and more likely to win the sympathy of the public.

Common Pitfalls that Lead to Protest Failure

• Lack of a clear goal: Protests that do not have a clear goal are less likely to be successful. This is because it is difficult to mobilize people around a vague or ambiguous cause.
• Poor organization: Poorly organized protests are more likely to fail. This includes having a lack of a clear plan, a lack of communication between organizers, and a lack of resources.
• Use of violence: Violent protests are less likely to be successful than nonviolent protests. This is because violence can alienate potential supporters and make it more difficult to win the sympathy of the public.

The success or failure of a protest depends on a number of factors, including its size, its level of organization, the tactics it uses, and the context in which it takes place. By understanding these factors, protestors can increase their chances of success.