i	Sociology 432: Social Movements

"Norma Rae"

(PN1997.N66)

This is a semi-fictionalized account of a true story. Even if it is not a full documentary, it illustrates several of the truths about participation in social movements. Most textile mills in the South are, to this day, not unionized.

Recruitment and participation

• What explains the hostility of the textile workers to the union and its organizers? What attitudes are crucial?
• What is the role of personal contacts in expanding union membership? Compare the methods of Norma Rae and the professional union organizer.
• How is solidarity created among union members? What aspects of working-class culture help to create solidarity?
• How do tensions develop within the union movement? for example, between the most committed (like Norma Rae) and others? between the volunteers and the paid staff? between blacks and whites?

Organization and bureaucracy

• How does the central union help local organizing? How does it hurt?

Opposition and the state

• What resources and alliances are available to employers to contest unionization?
• What is the role of the government?