Coalition Dynamics in Social Movements
Summary
Coalitions in social movements operate as formal or informal alliances that bring together disparate organisations and activists to advance shared objectives. The dynamics of coalition formation, maintenance and dissolution are shaped by interactions at multiple levels. At the micro level, individual activists negotiate trust, identity and resource exchanges; at the meso level, network structures determine how groups connect and share information; and at the macro level, political opportunities and state responses frame the scope for collective action. Central factors include frame alignment, which ensures interpretive compatibility; resource mobilisation, which unites material and symbolic assets; and leadership capacity, which steers strategy and conflict resolution. Coalitions must balance unity with internal diversity, adapting to shifting contexts while managing power asymmetries and resource constraints. Recent methodological advances employ social-network analysis and computational modelling to map coalition ties and forecast their trajectories. Empirical examples—from urban housing alliances to transnational climate campaigns—demonstrate the global relevance of coalition dynamics and offer practical lessons for scholars and practitioners seeking to build resilient alliances.
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Coalition Dynamics in Social Movements publication trend
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Technical terms
Coalition: A temporary or enduring alliance of distinct groups or organisations working together towards a common goal.
Framing: The process of constructing meaning and aligning interpretations across groups to support collective action.
Action repertoire: The composite set of tactics and strategies employed by movements or coalitions.
Bridge actor: An individual who connects separate social networks or organisations, facilitating communication and cooperation.
References
- Housing movement coalitions in the United States: Trends from big networks among urban civil society leaders. Urban Studies (2024).
- Housing coalition dynamics: a comparative perspective. Comparative European Politics (2021).
- Tweets and Doorknocks. Differentiation and Cooperation between Black Lives Matter and Community Organizing. Perspectives on Politics (2022).
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