Beck (2008), “The Contribution of Social Movement Theory to Understanding Terrorism.”
Citation:
Beck, Colin J. (2008) ‘The Contribution of Social Movement Theory to Understanding Terrorism,’ Sociology Compass, 2:5, pp. 1565-1581.
Abstract:
“The study of terrorism and political violence has been characterized by a lack of generalizable theory and methodology. This essay proposes that social movement theory can contribute a necessary conceptual framework for understanding terrorism, and thus reviews the relevant literature and discusses possible applications. Terrorism is a form of contentious politics, analyzable with the basic social movement approach of mobilizing resources, political opportunity structure, and framing. Cultural perspectives call attention to issues of collective identity that allow for sustained militancy, and movement research recommends alternative conceptions of terrorist networks. Previous research on movement radicalization, repression, and cycles of contention has direct bearing on militancy. Emerging perspective on transnational collective action and the diffusion of tactics and issues informs an understanding of contemporary international terrorism. Research on movement outcomes suggests broader ways of considering the efficacy of political violence. Finally, methodological debates within the study of social movements are relevant for research on terrorism. In sum, a social movement approach to terrorism has much to contribute, and research on terrorism could have important extensions and implications for social movement theory.”
The argument in favour of treating terrorism as a social movement is problematic in that terrorism is a tactic and not a movement.
Beck (2008:1568): “First, the dominant social movement paradigm of mobilizing resources, political opportunities, and framing suggests some basic ways of conceptualizing terrorism as a social movement. Second, cultural perspectives on movements call attention to underlying issues of identity in terrorist groups. Next, a movement approach to the study of terrorist networks recommends going beyond structural description by considering commitment and recruitment. Fourth, research on radicalization as a product of movement cycles and the constraints imposed by state repression has direct bearing on militancy, while, fifth, emerging conceptions of transnational movements suggests ways of thinking about international terrorism. Next, research on movement outcomes encourages a broader view of the effects and efficacy of political violence. Finally, research on terrorism can benefit from methodological concerns and debates in the study of movements.”
Beck (2008:1568-1570): Initial research on social movements developed in the 1960s and 1970s and focused on grievances and social conditions as a key factor in explaining collective action. However, McCarthy and Zald (1973, 1977) argued that grievances were a necessary component but insufficient as the sole explanatory variable. Resource mobilisation theory focused on the resources available and the way in which they are used to mobilise supporters. Grievances are a key variable in the study of terrorism, and terrorist groups face organisational and resource constraints as they attempt to mitigate the high costs of participation.
Beck (2008:1570-1571): Political opportunities and constraints came to be viewed as important to efforts to contextualise social movement activity. The potential for mobilisation can arise from or be reduced by changes to the existing political structure. Terrorism is likewise not a solely internal process.
Beck (2008:1571-1572): Movements need to make claims that resonate with audiences if they are to mobilise, hence framing theory. Terrorist movements devote considerable effort to explaining their actions.
Beck (2008:1573): Cultural factors are important to the study of terrorism. “a movement approach could stress terrorism as a method for creating and maintaining a collective identity. For instance, militant groups often make overt appeals to a broad identity to justify their actions and seek sympathy. […] The commitment that identity politics spawn may help explain terrorism’s persistence, even when outside observers view it as irrational or ineffective. Further work that includes relational and cultural factors is a fruitful area for understanding terrorism.”
Beck (2008:1575): Research on terrorism can contribute to social movement theory by expanding beyond the focus on Western and democratic settings and on groups oriented towards political participation.