Networks of Outrage and Hope explores new forms of social movements and protests erupting in the world today, from the Arab uprisings to the indignadas movement in Spain; from the Occupy Wall Street movement to social protests in Turkey, Brazil and elsewhere. While these and similar social movements differ in important ways, there is one thing they share in common: they are interwoven with the creation of autonomous communication networks supported by the Internet and wireless communication.

“A thousand words are too few to cover the riches of this incredibly timely account of contemporary movements.” – American Journal of Sociology

“A must for those who are interested in how social movements communicate in the network society to realize changes of value in society.” – International Journal of Public Opinion Research

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Recent years have seen an increase in protests across the world—in which citizens challenge what they see as a deterioration of democratic institutions and the civil, political and social rights that form the basis of democratic life. This timely new book addresses the anti-austerity social movements out of which these protests form. Donatella della Porta shows that, in order to understand these movements, we should look at the specific characteristics of the socioeconomic, cultural and political context in which they developed.

"Written by one of the foremost theorists of social movements, this book offers a new way to theorize the complex conjuncture of late neo-liberalism…and how this plays out in the squares of Europe, America and the Middle East." – Mary Kaldor, The London School of Economics

"A very important and original attempt to bridge political economy and contentious politics." – Jeff Goodwin, New York University

In the face of impending global crises and stubborn conflicts, a conventional view of politics risks leaving us confused and fatalistic, powerless because we are unaware of what can be achieved by political means. This fresh and original account of social movements is essential reading for students and scholars interested in the challenges and unpredictable potential of political action.

“At a moment when states – both democratic and non-democratic – reveal themselves to be desperately unable to manage prevailing economic, social and political crises, David West reminds us not simply that ‘another politics is possible,’ but that it has always been there under the surface of established structures of power.” – James Martin, Goldsmiths University, London

Social movements play a central role in the scope and direction of social change. They were instrumental in the creation of the modern state and, today, are major forces in politics and culture. What is a Social Movement? deftly navigates the organizational, ideational, and cultural complexity of political and social movements, offering a succinct but comprehensive overview—laying the groundwork for understanding this significant and exciting field of research.

“Comprehensive, engaging, and beautifully written—an invaluable source for readers looking for a concise review of the major theoretical perspectives and debates in the field.'' – Verta Taylor, University of California Santa Barbara

''The highly abstract concept of social movement—its main dimensions and the various forms it takes in the real world—come alive in this excellent introduction to social movement studies.” – Hanspeter Kriesi, European University Institute

This incisive book provides a critical history and analysis of community organizing, the tradition of bringing groups together to build power and forge grassroots leadership for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice. David Walls charts how community organizing has transcended the neighborhood to seek power and influence at the metropolitan, state, and national levels. Community Organizing is essential reading for undergraduates and graduate students of sociology, social movements and social work. It will inform organizers and grassroots leaders, as well as elected officials who contend with them.

“A superb comprehensive reading of the social, intellectual, and political history of community organizing in the U.S.” – Susan A. Ostrander, Tufts University

Many of us have participated in grassroots groups, changing the world in small and big ways, from building playgrounds and feeding the homeless, to protesting wars and ending legal segregation. Claims about volunteering tend to be astronomical: it will create democracy, make you a better person, eliminate poverty, protect local cultures, and even prevent illness. Eliasoph cuts through these assertions by drawing on empirical studies, key data, real-life case studies, and a range of theoretical analyses. In doing so, the book provides students of sociology, political science, and communications studies with a framework for evaluating the role of civic associations in social and political life, as well as in their own lives as active citizens.

"With unerring aim, Nina Eliasoph punctures some of the cherished myths about volunteerism. Yet, with sensitivity and compassion, she shows volunteers struggling to do good while coping with contradictions not of their own making. The result is a remarkable book that brings the concept of civil society to life in all its moral messiness."
– Francesca Polletta, University of California, Irvine