Social movements

Question 1

Occupy Wall Street Movement, September 17, 2011

Answer 1

Cause:
- Wealth inequality, political corruption, corporate influence of government. Opposition to the US government and its financial institutions / general economy.
Goals:
- Reduction in the influence of corporations on politics, balanced distribution of income, more/better jobs, student loan debt forgiveness, bank reform,
Scope:
- Began in Zucotti Park, people camping/sleeping there.
Methods:
- Protests and occupations of areas
Consequences:
- Police arrested protestors.
- Not successful

Question 2

Indigenous Land Rights Movements, 2015

Answer 2

Causes:
- The construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe stated that the pipeline would destroy valuable cultural resources
Goals:
- Seek to secure legal recognition of indigenous peoples as a distinct social group.
- Protection of indigenous land.
- Recognition of the rights of indigenous people to practice their culture, beliefs, traditions.
Scope:
- Movement started in 1966 with a demand for better wages.
Methods:
- Runs, horseback rides, and marches.
- Private hired guards clashed with protestors, sometimes violently, and made hundreds of arrests.
Consequences:
- It was successful since the construction of the pipeline stopped

Question 3

MeToo

Answer 3

Causes:
- The lack of legal support, lack of legislation and rules inside society and workplaces against women. As well as awareness for sexually harrassed women.
Goals:
- Help show survivors of sexual abuse that they are not alone. Increase awareness
Scope:
- Tarana Burke first used the phrase “Me Too” in 2006.
- In 2017 the hashtag went viral on twitter, movement became global.
Methods:
- Twitter, hashtags. Modern social movement used social media to lobby for its cause.
- Peaceful demonstrations, protests.
Consequences:
- State introduced protection for workers, legislation to protect women from sexual harassment.
- Destigmatized speaking up
- Increased awareness