Methods of Social Movement Research

Citing the critical importance of empirical work to social movement research, the editors of this volume have put together the first systematic overview of the major methods used by social movement theorists. Original chapters cover the range of techniques: surveys, formal models, discourse analysis, in-depth interviews, participant observation, case studies, network analysis, historical methods, protest event analysis, macro-organizational analysis, and comparative politics. Each chapter includes a methodological discussion, examples of studies employing the method, an examination of its strengths and weaknesses, and practical guidelines for its application. Contributors: Kathleen M. Blee, Elisabeth S. Clemens, Donatella della Porta, Mario Diani, Martin D. Hughes, Hank Johnston, Ruud Koopmans, Paul Lichterman, Debra C. Minkoff, Daniel J. Myers, Pamela E. Oliver, Dieter Rucht, Jackie Smith, David A. Snow, Sidney Tarrow, Verta Taylor, Danny Trom. Bert Klandermans is professor of applied social psychology at Free University, Amsterdam. Suzanne Staggenborg is professor of sociology at McGill University, Montreal.