Movements and Groups and Actors Flashcards
Private actors and example
Those who are not directly involved with the government but who have the ability to make change and influence people.
Examples: philanthropist, business leader, a well-known athlete, a celebrity, a member of society who has somehow managed to influence the actions of others.
Who are private actors? (4)
1) A private actor could be a donor to political parties, or they could be a company that donates to a political lobby group.
2) Private actors may influence politics in legal ways and/ or illegal ways.
3) Private actors might work independently or with others, sometimes they are networked together as a group of powerful individuals/ companies.
4)Private actors may be public in their political affiliations and opinions, or they could prioritise secrecy. (This is also why it can be difficult to distinguish conspiracy theories from facts).
Social Movements
Social movements are groups who share an opinion about a political issue.
They are called ‘movement’ rather than ‘group’ because they are more organically organised. In all types of state, including democracies, governments frequently try to close these movements down.
These movements attempt to change attitude and behaviour among the social community.
These can begin spontaneously without a formal structure, but they share a common outlook and a desire for change.
Types of power used in social movements
Institutional - Power to influence the who, how and what of visible decision-making
People - Power to build, mobilize and sustain large-scale public support
Influencer - Power to develop, maintain and leverage relationships with people and institutions with infuence over and access to critical social, cultural or financial resources
Narrative - Power to transform and hold public narratives and ideologies, and limit the influence of opposing narratives
Why might a state ‘repress’ a social movement?
A state might repress a social movement for several reasons, often rooted in concerns about maintaining social order, political stability, or controlling dissent. Governments may perceive social movements as threats to their authority, national security, or the established social and economic order. Repression can occur through legal measures, restricting rights to assembly, or outright bans on certain organizations.
Prosocial Movements
Actions or movements aimed at benefiting others and promoting social welfare, emphasizing cooperation, empathy, and positive change.
