Theoretical and Methodological Contributions of Social Mobilization in the Context of Globalization: A Case Study of Mexico 2010–2015

Abstract

A review of the main theories and methodologies regarding collective action and social movements since the late 2000s evinces some changes in the means of civic expression. This is as a result of the social, economic, and state deregulation process and the expansion of the public sphere beyond emblematic places of social protest to cyberspace, as well as the widespread use of social virtual networks for exercising political expression based on economic and technological globalization and the internationalization of the free market model. This new arena provides new resources for academic research, such as biographical analysis, participatory observation, and context and territorial analysis, in addition to narratives, tales, and developments from political subjects themselves. Analyzing the case study of Mexico, some of these means have been identified, principally accumulative social mobilization, with iconic actors like the Zapatista Army for National Liberation (EZLN), and new actors such as the Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity (MPJD) and its deployment of Caravans for Life throughout Mexican territory and other cities around the world rising up since 2010. Moreover, other civic expressions and actors from unhindered collective decisions based around citizens’ attempts to curb violence and the “unplanned” anti-narco policy initiated by President Felipe Calderón will be assessed.