Social movements and activism

Frank G. A. de Bakker

Chapter 45 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Business and Government, 2026, pp 263-267 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Social movements have broadened their scope to address diverse issues such as environmental protection, feminism, and inequality. These movements are defined as collectivities that operate outside formal institutions to challenge or resist systems of authority, characterized by informal networks and varied repertoires of action. Emerging in the 1960s, social movement studies shifted focus from collective behavior to collective action, addressing key questions about mobilization, organization, impact, and participation beyond material self-interest. Recent research explores how social movement organizations engage with businesses and stakeholders to promote corporate social responsibility. This entry traces the evolution of social movement studies, examines their interactions with business organizations, and considers future challenges and opportunities at the intersection of social movements and management studies.

Keywords: Social movements; Activism; Collective action; Corporate social change; Management studies; Social movement organizations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035307777
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