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Prisms of the People
Power and Organizing in Twenty-First Century America
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Prisms of the People
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book is ideal for readers interested in politics, social movements, and democratic activism. It will appeal to activists, scholars of political science and sociology, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how grassroots collective action can achieve meaningful social change.
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Description
Grassroots organising and collective action have always been fundamental to American democracy but have been burgeoning since the 2016 election, as people struggle to make their voices heard in this moment of societal upheaval. Unfortunately, much of that action has not had the kind of impact participants might want, especially among movements representing the poor and marginalised who often have the most at stake when it comes to rights and equality. Yet, some instances of collective action have succeeded. What's the difference between a movement that wins victories for its constituents, and one that fails? What are the factors that make collective action powerful?
Prisms of the People addresses those questions and more. Using data from six movement organisations—including a coalition that organised a 104-day protest in Phoenix in 2010 and another that helped restore voting rights to the formerly incarcerated in Virginia—Hahrie Han, Elizabeth McKenna, and Michelle Oyakawa show that the power of successful movements most often is rooted in their ability to act as “prisms of the people,” turning participation into political power just as prisms transform white light into rainbows. Understanding the organisational design choices that shape the people, their leaders, and their strategies can help us understand how grassroots groups achieve their goals.
Linking strong scholarship to a deep understanding of the needs and outlook of activists, Prisms of the People is the perfect book for our moment—for understanding what’s happening and propelling it forward.
Series: Chicago Studies in American Politics
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Praised for its nuanced analysis of power, interests, and strategy, Prisms of the People is recognised as a valuable contribution to political organising and democratic renewal. Reviews highlight its fresh perspective on building people power beyond conventional partisan debates and commend its emphasis on inclusion and engagement. It has been listed among the best books of 2021 by notable outlets and is regarded as essential reading for those passionate about social movements and community organising.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780226743905
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 12 July 2021
Country: United States
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 216
About the Author
Hahrie Han is the inaugural director of the SNF Agora Institute and professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University. Elizabeth McKenna is a postdoctoral scholar at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Michelle Oyakawa is a lecturer in sociology at The Ohio State University.
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