Dominant Tactics in Social Movement Tactical Repertoires: Anti-Gay Ballot Measures, 1974-2008
Document Type
Contribution to Book
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
This study theorizes about the development of dominant tactics within social movements, as certain tactics within a tactical repertoire are used frequently and imbued with ideological significance. Little research has been done on hierarchies within tactical repertoires, assuming that all tactics within a repertoire are equal. Between 1974 and 2008, the US Religious Right attempted over 200 anti-gay referendums and initiatives to retract or prevent gay rights laws. This research examines how the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) movement developed campaign tactics to fight these direct democracy measures. This research expands the existing literature on tactical repertoires by theorizing about the mechanisms by which tactics become dominant, namely, their affirmation by victories, responsiveness to countermovement escalation, and involvement of institutionalized social movement organizations to disseminate tactics. This research contradicts existing movement-countermovement literature that suggests that movements do not develop dominant tactics when mobilizing in opposition to a countermovement.
Editor
Patrick G. Coy
Identifier
10.1108/S0163-786X(2011)0000031008
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
City
Bingley, UK
ISBN
9780857246097, 9780857246103
Repository Citation
Stone, A. L. (2010). Dominant tactics in social movement tactical repertoires: Anti-gay ballot measures, 1974-2008. In P. G. Coy (Eds.), Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change (vol. 31, pp. 141-174). Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Publication Information
Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change