Social Movements in the Post-1945 Democratic World

Social movements have played a central role in political and socioeconomic change by challenging norms, influencing political decisions and transforming established institutions. After the Second World War, social movements became particularly significant as people mobilised around issues including decolonisation, peace, civil rights and women’s rights. In this course, you will study how social movements emerge, develop and are sustained, as well as why they weaken or fragment.

Focusing on the democratic world from the end of the Second World War to the end of the twentieth century, the course introduces key theories and methods in social movement research. You will examine the material, symbolic and organisational resources that enable collective mobilisation and explore how political, socioeconomic and cultural contexts influence the development and impact of social movements.During the course, you will deepen your understanding of social movements and the historical and socioeconomic contexts that have shaped them. You will develop your ability to apply and critically evaluate theories and analytical concepts, work with different types of historical sources, and analyse how social movements have influenced contemporary politics and society. You will also develop your academic writing skills in history. Teaching consists of lectures and seminars, and active participation is expected.