Social Movements and Difference

Paper Summary:

This work looks in detail at the issue of 'difference'. The term 'difference' is examined on the basis of its social policy understanding. The bulk of the piece is dedicated to an appraisal of how the 'New Social Movements' conceptualize the issue of difference and the manner in which they propose to use such definitional criteria to overcome inequality and injustice in society. A full exposition of the barriers to such development is also offered.

From the Paper:

"What then are to barriers that the New Social Movements argue thwart the celebration and institutionalization of difference? They argue that there exist structural limitations that inhibit development and inclusion within societal functions. Thus these structural constraints certainly impact upon the individual, and possibly the collective agency of marginal groups within society. Agency in this sense being a person's ability to impact upon their surroundings and influence their own destiny and development. A number of issues are highlighted to give credence to this assessment. What follows will focus on the question of refugees and asylum seekers, as it is one that rouses the souls of many members of the New Social Movements."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blakemore, K (2003) Social Policy: An Introduction, Buckingham: Open University Press.
• Della Porta, D and Diani, M. (1999) Social Movements: An Introduction, Oxford: Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
• Hughes, G. (1998) A Suitable Case for Treatment? Constructions of Disability. In E. Saraga, (Ed) Embodying the Social: Constructions of Difference (pp. 43-91). London: Routledge.
• Huntington, S. (2002) The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, London: Simon & Schuster.
• Lewis, G (2003) Difference and Social Policy. In N.Ellison and C.Pierson (Ed) Developments in British Social Policy 2 (pp. 90-106). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

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