University of Maryland i
Sociology 432: Social Movements

Suzanne Staggenborg,
"The Consequences of Professionalization and Formalization in the Pro-Choice Movement"
(chapter 32 in the McAdam and Snow reader, pages 421-439)

Concepts and Theory

Staggenborg's first paragraph introduces the distinction she is trying to make between "professionalized" social movements and "classical" social movements. Think of the examples of social movements we have already discussed: which are more classical, which more professionalized? Where does the movement you have chosen for your paper belong?

Leadership

The distinction between professional managers and nonprofessional leaders mirrors the conceptual distinction between classical and professionalized social movements. Later, (pages 427-428) Staggenborg gives an example of each type of leader (Karen Mulhauser and Lawrence Lader). The examples will help you understand the difference.

At the end of the leadership section ("However, as I argue...") Staggenborg introduces her first hypothesis. Be sure you understand this.

Types of organization

The distinction between formalized and informal organizations is the central distinction in the article. Staggenborg used three main criteria: Look through tables 2 (informal) and 3 (formal) to see how she makes these distinctions. Where would your social movement be coded along this formalized versus informal dimensions?

Results: relationships among the variables

Leadership & initiation of movements

Which type of leader initiates social movements? What is Staggenborg's evidence?

Leadership & organizational structure

Which type of leader tends to lead a formalized movement? Why? The change in NARAL leadership provides a concrete example of what Staggenborg argues. Footnote 7 suggests several others -- including some that my be relevant to your movement.

Organizational structure and longevity

Which type of organization is better able to survive? Why? (Be specific).

Organizational structure and tactics

Staggenborg then relates types of organizations to the dimension of tactics that we have discussed from the first day of the semester. How does Staggenborg see these two as related?

Organizational structure and size

How are tactics related to organizational growth? How is growth related to more formalized organizational structures?

Organizational structure and coalitions

Most causes have several social movements concerned with the issue. Some sociologists have labeled these social movement industries (SMI) that include many social movement organizations (SMO). How are these coalitions that form social movement industries related to organizational structures of the movements?

Conclusions

What's your one-line summary of Staggenborg's contribution?
 
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Last updated September 28, 2005
comments to: reeve@umd.edu