Power in sociology refers to the ability to influence others’ behaviour, make decisions, and shape social outcomes — even against the will of others (Max Weber’s classic definition). In the context of social movements, power is exercised by both movements and their opponents. Understanding this dynamic is central to analysing social movements sociologically.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Social movements and their opposition are locked in a struggle over power. Movements must accumulate and deploy power strategically to achieve their goals; opponents use their own forms of power to maintain the status quo. The outcome depends on the balance of power between them.
Opposition to social movements typically comes from those who benefit from the status quo: governments, corporations, powerful institutions, and conservative social groups.
| Form of Opposition Power | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Repression | State or private use of force to suppress movement | Police crackdowns on protests; arrest of activists |
| Delegitimation | Discrediting the movement in public opinion | Labelling activists as radicals, criminals, or extremists |
| Co-optation | Absorbing moderate movement demands while neutralising radical elements | Incorporating token reforms while dismissing structural change demands |
| Legal suppression | Using law to restrict movement activity | Anti-protest laws; injunctions against blockades |
| Economic pressure | Withdrawing funding; economic threats | Employers pressuring workers not to strike |
| Counter-mobilisation | Organising counter-movements or lobby groups | Mining industry “Australians for Coal” campaigns |
| Media manipulation | Generating negative coverage of the movement | Orchestrated media campaigns against environmental activists |
Erica Chenoweth’s research (see subsequent KK) suggests that when social movements can mobilise approximately 3.5% of the population into active participation, they are typically able to overcome opposition and achieve meaningful change. The power balance thus depends on:
- The breadth and depth of movement mobilisation
- The cohesion and commitment of movement members
- The willingness of elites and security forces to maintain repression
- The movement’s success in winning over neutral third parties
EXAM TIP: When analysing power in a social movement context, always identify both sides — the forms of power the movement uses AND the forms of power used by the opposition. A one-sided analysis (only movement power, or only opposition power) is incomplete.
