Cox, Laurence and Curry, Liz (2010) Revolution in the air: images of winning in the Irish anti-capitalist movement. Irish Journal of Sociology, 18 (2). pp. 86-105. ISSN 0791 6035

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Abstract

This article explores strategic conceptions within the alter-globalisation movement in Ireland. Based on action research carried out within the left-libertarian (“Grassroots’) wing of the movement, it notes imbalances in participation in a very intensive form of political activity, and asks how activists understand winning. It finds substantial congruence between organisational practice and long-term goals, noting social justice and participatory democracy along with feminist, environmental and anti-war concerns as central. Using Wallerstein’s proposed transition strategy for anti-systemic movements, it argues that Irish alter-globalisation activists are realistic about popular support and state power, and concerned to link short-term work around basic needs with the construction of alternative institutions and long-term struggles for a different social order.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	social movements; Ireland; alter-globalisation; anti-capitalism; strategy; utopia;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology
Item ID:	2475
Depositing User:	Dr. Laurence Cox
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2011 11:45
Journal or Publication Title:	Irish Journal of Sociology
Publisher:	A & A Farmar
Refereed:	Yes
URI:
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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