Drawing interview material, together with extensive data from the authors' original social movement database, this book examines the development of social movements in resistance to perceived political "regression" and a growing right-wing backlash. With a focus on Italy and the reaction to increasing inequalities and welfare state retrenchment policies, it examines opposition to the government and state authorities on a number of issues. Triangulating different types of data, it sheds light on the ability of citizens to organise in the streets and addresses crucial matters in social movement research, including the significance to political mobilization of grievances, class, gender and generational differences, as well as considering the network dynamics of micro-mobilization, visions of Europe, and the role of interactions with major political institutions. As such, it will appeal to scholars of sociology and politics with interests in social movements and political mobilization.
'Drawing on a wealth of individual-level data collected over the years, this volume examines the determinants of participation in street protests for social justice and democracy in a period of political and cultural backlash. While focused on Italy, the book offers much broader insights into the dynamics of micro-mobilization in protest activities.' - Marco Giugni, University of Geneva
'This truly insightful analysis tells us everything we might wish to know about contemporary left-wing protesters who are responding to a right-wing backlash in Italy. If you wish to gain a solid understanding of 'who are those people in the streets?' and why they protest, this book is for you.' - Clare Saunders, University of Exeter
'This truly insightful analysis tells us everything we might wish to know about contemporary left-wing protesters who are responding to a right-wing backlash in Italy. If you wish to gain a solid understanding of 'who are those people in the streets?' and why they protest, this book is for you.' - Clare Saunders, University of Exeter
'Drawing on a wealth of individual-level data collected over the years, this volume examines the determinants of participation in street protests for social justice and democracy in a period of political and cultural backlash. While focused on Italy, the book offers much broader insights into the dynamics of micro-mobilization in protest activities.' - Marco Giugni, University of Geneva
'This truly insightful analysis tells us everything we might wish to know about contemporary left-wing protesters who are responding to a right-wing backlash in Italy. If you wish to gain a solid understanding of 'who are those people in the streets?' and why they protest, this book is for you.' - Clare Saunders, University of Exeter
'This truly insightful analysis tells us everything we might wish to know about contemporary left-wing protesters who are responding to a right-wing backlash in Italy. If you wish to gain a solid understanding of 'who are those people in the streets?' and why they protest, this book is for you.' - Clare Saunders, University of Exeter