The Fist of the Working Class: The Social Movements of Jiu Valley Miners in Post-Socialist Romania
This article analyzes one of the most virulent protests witnessed by postsocialist societies: the social movements of the Jiu Valley miners in Romania. I argue that the key to comprehending the Jiu Valley miners’ extraordinary mobilization can be found in the density of their social networks, which,...
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Veröffentlicht in: | East European politics and societies 2004-02, Vol.18 (1), p.132-157 |
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Format: | Artikel |
Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | This article analyzes one of the most virulent protests witnessed by postsocialist societies: the social movements of the Jiu Valley miners in Romania. I argue that the key to comprehending the Jiu Valley miners’ extraordinary mobilization can be found in the density of their social networks, which, under a particular political opportunity structure, became a crucial resource for social movement organizations. Dense social networks and a favorable political opportunity created organizational resources that were utilized by movement entrepreneurs to build a unique participant identity. Having abundant organizational resources, influential allies, and sharing a special collective identity rooted in a tradition of militancy, Jiu Valley miners could achieve a high degree of mobilization, use noninstitutionalized confrontational tactics, and be victorious. |
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ISSN: | 0888-3254 1533-8371 |
DOI: | 10.1177/0888325403258290 |