The Constructive Dimensions of Social Movements

Abstract

This paper addresses the relationship between resistance and building in collective political struggle. Although protests, strikes, and other repertoires of contention are well-studied in the contentious politics literature, relatively few scholars examine the interplay of contentious strategies and tactics with constructive action that builds social-relational infrastructure to meet collective needs. I draw on a case study of the campaign to divest from fossil fuels and reinvest in climate solutions to illustrate how contentious and constructive dimensions are intertwined in the climate movement. I generalize from this example to argue that constellations of ideologically-saturated constructive strategies and tactics – what I call repertoires of construction – have unique dynamics and implications for social movement theory that warrant analytical attention in their own right. Working paper presented at the 2022 Mobilization Conference in San Diego, California. Please check with the author for updates or corrections before citing.