The Sociology of Collective Action

Regarding this participatory course, which will partly rely on problem-solving, student attendance and participation are required. Attendance is mandatory. In case of impediment, it is requested to inform the instructor in advance at the following address: abraham.franssen@uclouvain.be
Introduction

• Historicity of collective action
• Definitions and typologies

Part I - The Toolbox: Theories and Concepts for Analyzing Collective Action

1. Sociological paradigms and theories of collective action Sociological paradigms and theories of collective action
2. Critique of theories of collective action
3. Exchange relationships, solidarity relationships, social relations, and social actors
4. Stages of collective action: theory of mobilization and demobilization
5. Concepts of actionalist sociology
6. Structural dimensions of mobilization: political opportunity structures and regimes
7. Effects of mobilization
8. Framework for analyzing collective action

Part II: The Mutations of Collective Action

1. Mobilization in a Globalized Society
2. Transnationalization of Powers and Counterpowers
3. Characteristics of "New Social Movements"

Part III - Methods for Analyzing Collective Action: Sociological Intervention and Group Analysis

1. Genesis and Foundations
2. Epistemological Postulates
3. Methodological Framework

In terms of its pedagogical methods, the course is based on lectures by the instructor, presentations of case studies, appropriation exercises, and situational exercises.

Depending on the option chosen by the student, two modalities are possible:
1 - A "classic" written exam, covering the material presented in the course (mastery of theories and concepts) and the ability to apply them to concrete cases (presented based on newspaper articles, interview excerpts, etc.).
2 - An individual (or paired) written assignment. The assessment of knowledge will be based on the completion of an individual written assignment - or done in pairs - focusing on the analysis of a collective action. This assignment will implement the theories and concepts discussed in the course regarding a collective action (local mobilization, social movement, etc.) chosen and analyzed by the student. This assignment will include a small methodological component (conducting one or two interviews, researching and analyzing documents, participant observation).
The assignment can be written in French, English, or Spanish.
Instructions for the individual assignment: The assignment will consist of a personal and original analysis of a collective action, apprehended, as chosen:

1. in its entirety (from its inception to its provisional outcome)
2. in one of its sequences (1) from indifference to protest, 2) from protest to mobilization, 3) its effects (or a part of its effects);
3. in one of its dimensions (repertoire of action, leaders, membership, the role of social movement organizations, tensions between different types of membership, etc.).