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Movement Space: A Cultural Approach

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Conceptualizing Culture in Social Movement Research

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in European Political Sociology ((PSEPS))

Abstract

The most recent wave of anti-austerity mobilizations — in particular the Occupy and Indignados movements, as well as the Arab Spring — once again draws attention to the interrelation of social movements and space: With the occupation of public places these movements direct much interest towards the way in which social movements shape and are affected by space. The spatial properties of the town square facilitate continued encounters, which in turn transform such a place from one of transition into one of political debate and contestation. This chapter aims to contribute to the conceptualization of the term “space” within the literature on social movements. The term has become especially prominent within this literature since the turn of the century — however, its conceptual merit and boundaries remain blurry. In particular, a broad use of the term diminishes its explanatory value as it fails to distinguish it from other social properties, such as opportunity structures and social networks. Avoiding this, the chapter defines space as a part of movement culture.

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Authors
  1. Priska Daphi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. CIES Lisbon, Portugal

    Britta Baumgarten

  2. Goethe-Universität Frankfurt/Main, Germany

    Priska Daphi

  3. Technische Unversität Berlin, Germany

    Peter Ullrich

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© 2014 Priska Daphi

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Daphi, P. (2014). Movement Space: A Cultural Approach. In: Baumgarten, B., Daphi, P., Ullrich, P. (eds) Conceptualizing Culture in Social Movement Research. Palgrave Studies in European Political Sociology. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137385796_8

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