David S. Meyer
I'm a professor of sociology and political science at the University of California, Irvine. I've been thinking, and writing about, protest politics for almost ever. This site offers comments on contemporary events, informed (I hope) by knowing something about history and about the academic study of social movements.
Category Archives: countermovements
A protest is a threat (the Komen debacle)
It’s never just the demonstration that brings about change. Rather, it’s the larger actions that demonstrators promise (and authorities fear) that lead to concessions. Demonstrators threaten to storm the barricades, stop paying taxes, or vote, or contribute money. Their targets … Continue reading
Posted in countermovements, Uncategorized
Tagged abortion, breast cancer, funding, health, Michael Bloomberg, Planned Parenthood, protest, social media, Susan G. Komen, threats
2 Comments
Rapturous Provocation
People protest in opposition to something. When those opponents promise something particularly egregious, it’s easier to convince your supporters of a real threat and the necessity of taking to the streets. That’s why social movements activate their opponents. Every potential … Continue reading
Posted in countermovements
Tagged budget, countermovements, elections, Medicare, Newt Gingrich, Paul Ryan, religion, tea party
Leave a comment
