European University Institute Library

Talking collective action, a sequential analysis of strategic planning in anti-nuclear groups, Ole Pütz

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

index present

non fiction

Talking collective action

bibliography

1096242460

Ole Pütz

Routledge studies in political psychology

a sequential analysis of strategic planning in anti-nuclear groups

An ethnographic study of anti-nuclear movement groups that both challenges assumptions of traditional social movement studies of strategic action and shows what can be gained through microanalysis of talk in meetings, this book advances social movement studies methodologically and theoretically through the application of a new method of sequential analysis. Drawing on both conversation analysis and objective hermeneutics, it builds on microanalysis to scale up from sequences of talk to meetings, from meetings to groups, and from groups to the anti-nuclear movement, thus addressing a common criticism of analyses of face-to-face interactions: that they fail to demonstrate how their findings are relevant for questions beyond the interaction itself and thus for a broader sociological audience. A demonstration of the ways in which strategic deliberations by activists are subject to dynamics of face-to-face interaction, Talking Collective Action shows how groups adopt different styles of planning to engage with their environment and affect the groups’ development over time. As such, it will appeal to social scientists with interests in social movements, organizations and conversation analysis.--, Provided by publisher

Introduction -- A very short history of the German anti-nuclear movement and a few of its groups -- A method of sequential analysis -- Consensus building in meetings: specifically vague proposals and changes in footing -- Endangered consensus? From disagreements to conflict avoidance -- How groups assess and revise tactics: the styles of being critical and thinking small -- Decision-making in a complex campaign: a confrontation of styles and struggle with key expressions -- Crisis and continuity: styles and group development over time -- Conclusion: styles and group relations to the environment