New York OWS crackdown could grow movement, expert says
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The police action vacating the Occupy Wall Street encampment in New York City could inspire greater support for the movement, according to Purdue political scientist Laurel Weldon.
"If they seek to regroup and re-emerge, as they say they will, OWS could come back bigger and more important than ever," Weldon says. "Research suggests that police repression, especially when unprovoked, improves support for activists as long as they stay peaceful."
Weldon has unique expertise on the OWS movement developed from her research for the recent book "When Protest Makes Policy: How Social Movements Represent Disadvantaged Groups." Weldon says the public may be upset at the removal of a movement that has been linked to, and has inspired, similar movements around the world.
"It may seem like evidence that the authorities are more worried about 'business as usual' rather than addressing the issues of inequality that activists have been highlighting," Weldon says.
To be effective, Weldon says the protesters need to avoid violence and property damage.
"The New York City group has worked hard to coordinate with police. This will be difficult as they attract fringe groups," she says. "On the other hand, authorities' attempts to suppress protests will help the group generate more support. So, the outcome depends both on authorities' and protesters' behavior."
Weldon says OWS, the tea party, women's movements and civil rights movements were all partly motivated by the fact that people were unable to see their concerns addressed through regular institutional channels, such as elections or political parties.
Writer: Jim Schenke, 765-237-7296, jschenke@purdue.edu
Source: Laurel Weldon, weldons@purdue.edu
Related website:
When Protest Makes Policy: How Social Movements Represent Disadvantaged Groups
Note to Journalists: Laurel Weldon is available via satellite uplink, Skype, phone or in person. For more information, contact Jim Schenke, Purdue News Service, at 765-237-7296, jschenke@purdue.edu