Political process theory
Introduction
The Political Process Theory is a sociological theory that attempts to explain the conditions and structures that facilitate the development of political movements. This theory, which is a component of the broader Social Movement Theory, emphasizes the importance of political opportunities in the emergence and success of social movements.
Historical Background
The Political Process Theory emerged during the 1970s and 1980s as a response to the perceived limitations of the Collective Behavior Theory and the Resource Mobilization Theory. These theories, while providing valuable insights into the nature of social movements, were criticized for their lack of attention to the political context in which these movements operate.
Key Concepts
The Political Process Theory is built around three key concepts: political opportunities, indigenous organizational strength, and shared cognitions.
Political Opportunities
Political opportunities refer to the relative openness or closure of the institutionalized political system. This concept suggests that social movements are more likely to emerge and succeed in political systems that provide opportunities for participation and influence. These opportunities can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the state's capacity and propensity for repression, the presence of elite allies, and shifts in political alignments.
Indigenous Organizational Strength
Indigenous organizational strength refers to the ability of a social movement to mobilize resources and support within its own community. This concept highlights the importance of pre-existing social networks and organizations in the emergence and success of social movements. These networks and organizations can provide the necessary resources, such as money, volunteers, and leadership, that are critical for a social movement's survival and growth.
Shared cognitions refer to the collective beliefs and understandings that motivate and sustain social movement activity. This concept emphasizes the role of shared ideas and values in the formation and development of social movements. These shared cognitions can help to create a sense of collective identity and solidarity among movement participants, which can in turn facilitate collective action.
Criticisms and Limitations
While the Political Process Theory has been influential in the field of social movement studies, it has also been subject to several criticisms.
One of the main criticisms is that the theory tends to overemphasize the role of political opportunities in the emergence and success of social movements. Critics argue that this focus on political opportunities can lead to a neglect of other important factors, such as cultural and economic conditions.
Another criticism is that the theory's concept of political opportunities is too vague and ambiguous. Critics argue that this lack of clarity makes it difficult to apply the theory in a consistent and systematic way.
Despite these criticisms, the Political Process Theory remains a valuable tool for understanding the complex dynamics of social movements. Its emphasis on the interplay between political opportunities, indigenous organizational strength, and shared cognitions provides a comprehensive and nuanced framework for analyzing social movements.