Connecting Spirituality and Social Justice by Michael J. Sheridan

Author:Michael J. Sheridan [Sheridan, Michael J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780415836913
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2013-09-26T00:00:00+00:00

STABILITY OF POLITICAL ALIGNMENTS

PO theorists agree that the routine transfer of political power from one group of incumbents to another, as when a different political party takes control of the U.S. presidency or Congress, opens opportunities for the development or reactivation of social movements (Tarrow, 2006). At such times, some social movements lose favor and others gain opportunity. In both the 1930s and 1960s, changes in political party strength appear to have been related to increased social movement activity among poor people (McAdam et al., 1996).

Disruption of political alliances also occurs at times other than political elections, for both partisan and nonpartisan reasons, and such disruptions produce conflicts and divisions among elites. When elites are divided, social movements can sometimes encourage some factions to take a stand for the disenfranchised and support the goals of the movement. Disruptions in political alliances also occur when different branches of the government— such as the executive branch and the legislative branch—are at odds with each other. Such conflict was the case at the national level in the early days of the living wage campaign, but may have had little effect on the campaign because it was being fought at the local level. New coalitions may be formed, and the uncertainty that ensues may encourage groups to make new or renewed attempts to challenge institutional arrangements, hoping to find new elite allies. The new local coalitions formed during the living wage campaigns have often breathed new life into local progressive advocates, including religious groups (Murray, 2001).

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