Towards â-˜New Emotional Movementsâ-™? A Comparative Exploration into a Specific Movement Type

Authors: Walgrave, Stefaan; Verhulst, Joris

Source: Social Movement Studies, Volume 5, Number 3, December 2006 , pp. 275-304(30)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

<p>In this article we broaden the scope of earlier research that established a theoretical specificity for the Belgian â-˜White Marchâ-™ and â-˜White Movementâ-™, by comparing them to three similar movements and mobilizations that were also triggered by random violence. The comparisons suggest that we are dealing with a new type of social movement and mobilization, preliminarily referred to as â-˜new emotional movementsâ-™. The three other cases under study are the â-˜Snowdrop Campaignâ-™ in the UK, the â-˜Million Mom Marchâ-™ in the US and the â-˜Movement against Senseless Violenceâ-™ in the Netherlands. Four important features seem to characterize all cases: the central role of emotions and victimization in the mobilization and development of the movement; broad elite support; organizational weakness; and extensive media support. We distinguish two sub-types of new emotional movements: (1) an instrumental variant with clear-cut aims and demands; and (2) an identity variant with displays of solidarity and compassion as the main constitutive elements. In both cases the initiators lack prior organizational experience and the absence of mobilizing organizations is compensated for by mass media support. In the instrumental sub-type neither the victims nor their relatives take the initiative but lend support and give approval to amateur entrepreneurs. The main mobilizing emotion appears to be fear about the possibility of personal suffering, and this emotion is reflected in the formulation of clear-cut demands for the future prevention of similar events. This instrumentality results in elite support being considerably broad, yet partisan. In contrast, the victims themselves take the initiative in the identity variant, causing the movement to remain more or less without specific demands but ensuring a broad support that is not bounded by party lines.</p>

Keywords: social movements; emotions; identity; moral shock; victim movement; random violence

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14742830600991651

Affiliations: 1: Department of Political Science, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Publication date: 2006-12-01

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