Power, Profit and Protest: Australian Social Movements and Globalisation

Description

Social movements transformed Western societies in the 1960s and 1970s: feminism, black rights, the peace movement and gay liberation all radically altered how we think and how we live. What has happened to social movements since then? Can demonstrations and other forms of social activism still make a difference in Australia? Verity Burgmann argues that corporate globalization has threatened or transformed established social movements, and sparked powerful new forms of social protest. She examines the impact of globalization and neo-liberal government policies on the feminist and indigenous rights movements, showing how they have been affected by the politics of backlash after decades of success. Burgmann explores the way in which the environment movement, too, has been affected by rising corporate political influence. She also analyses the emergence of anti-capitalist and anti-corporate activism and the profound challenges posed by this newest of social movements to the state, to society in general and to the labour movement in particular. This book reflects on the significant changes which has taken place since "Power and Protest" was published in 1993.

Associate Professor Verity Burgmann is Reader in Political Science at the University of Melbourne.

Power, Profit and Protestis a terrific introduction to the many issues involved [in studying social movements].'Labour History no.86, May 2004