Social Movements, Democracy, and Cultural Identity

Modern democracies are increasingly challenged to understand what happens beyond the major institutions of governance, and Spain is an excellent place to understand what has been called the “politics of the streets.” In Spain, feminist and women’s rights movements, anti-austerity social movements, anti-eviction organizations, educational organizations, environmental organizations, and nationalist or independence movement compose a major part of the political and social landscape. You will engage with politicians, activists, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to understand the most pressing issues in Spain, where in recent decades social movements, protests, and collective action have become central to the political landscape. These movements have emerged to consolidate neglected rights, raise awareness of political and social conflicts, show discontent, and advocate for the rights of minorities and disenfranchised identities. This voluntary gathering and collective action acts as a catalyst for broad social change or transformation, and has become a hallmark of Spanish politics. You will meet with various stakeholders throughout the semester and design independent study projects to delve deeply into research that focuses on these issues.