The Mechanics of Mobilization: Activism, Unrest, and Social Change

Debunk the one-dimensional, media-fueled view of the 1920s flapper as an emblem of social freedom. This essay examines the multifaceted nature of the movement, arguing that in their desperate escape from traditionalism, flappers often conformed to a new, equally restrictive set of ideals. It reveals how this pursuit of a fantastical freedom could paradoxically inhibit self-expression, fostering a nuanced understanding of social history and individual agency.

Look beyond the scattered protests of the early 20th century to find the true collaborative force behind the women’s rights movement. This essay argues that the foundation for women’s enfranchisement was laid nearly a century prior in the slow expansion of the labor movement. It reveals how women’s unions were a vital and often overlooked aspect of the struggle, providing the organizational power necessary for success.

Is there a direct link between mass mortality events and the rise of major social movements? This essay tests this provocative theory of social change. It investigates the three largest pandemics in US history—COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and the 1918 Spanish flu—and demonstrates how each coincided in time with the significant amplification of pre-existing social movements, from gay rights and anti-nuclear activism to race riots and women’s suffrage.

After three days of chaos left one man murdered and hundreds injured, the 1991 Crown Heights riot exposed the deep-seated hostility between the area’s Afro-Caribbean and Lubavitcher communities. This essay uses this flashpoint to test competing sociological theories of urban violence. It explores whether inter-ethnic tension is a product of large groups competing for city-wide power or the friction created when a minority group is small and isolated, offering a crucial framework for understanding modern multiethnic conflict.

Uncover the motivations and strategies of the American youth activists who played a significant role in the fight against South African apartheid. This study focuses on the impact of student movements on college campuses in the 1970s and 1980s. It highlights the interconnectedness of social justice movements across the globe, revealing how moral outrage and a sense of shared struggle can mobilize a generation to challenge injustice abroad.

Experience the transformative power of art activism through the lens of Chicana artist Judy Baca and her monumental mural, The Great Wall of Los Angeles. The essay explores a vision of creativity as activism, leaving the reader with an expansive sense of how movements can transform not only politics but collective memory and public space. It highlights how Baca’s work reclaims and centers the invaluable contributions and struggles of marginalized communities, demonstrating how public art can challenge dominant narratives and ignite social change.