Qn 12. Is the rise of social movements a sign of opening up of popular space in political process or decline of representational politics? Examine. (2013/II/Q.4a/20m)
Society and politics are inseparable. The rise in social movements (or collective behaviour) is considered a sign of changing political processes.
Social movements are a type of group action. Having distinctive organisation and strategies, they carry out, resist, or undo a social change. Traditionally social movements were focused on social advancement such as nationalist movements and labour movements. Rise of social movements (or ‘new’ social movements) is changing trends in collective behaviours which concern aspects regarding ‘quality of life’, such as gender-rights, environmental and anti-globalisation movements. It is linked to leftist politics. Liberals prefer to call it ‘resource mobilisation’. New social movements ignited in the West since the 1960s. In the East (Third World countries), they started in the 1970s. These occurred due to growth of globalisation, rise of trans-national networks, communication revolution etc.
Political process can be defined as the process of the formulation and administration of public policy usually by the interaction between social groups and political institutions or between political leadership and public opinion. Representational politics may be defined as the art or science of directing or administering a political unit (e.g. a state), by political representatives (elected individuals, standing in for a person or a group, for a certain time period). Commonly, it is the activity of making citizens' voices, opinions, and perspectives “present” in public policy making processes.
The rise of social movements can be interpreted both as opening up of popular space in politics as well as the decline of representational politics. The disconnect between the parliamentarians and people is being exposed. Social movements show the assertion of civil society, as it becomes increasingly aware of its rights. Such movements target political dysfunctions, opening up political space. Also, a global civil society is emerging. The Information Age accelerates knowledge distribution and steers public opinion. Mass media helps these movements to gather momentum and have responsive co-ordination.
In the Indian context —
- Judicial activism depicts the proactivity of a constitutional institution to preserve democratic sanctity.
- Right to Information (RTI) movement contrasts to the previous red- tapism and secrecy that hallmarked Indian politics, bringing in much transparency and accountability. It also shows the political will to evolve with the times.
- Corruption movement highlighted assertion of public dissatisfaction with governmental dysfunctions. For instance, the Lokpal Bill had been brought and failed many times.
- Delhi gang rape case protests vented the gender rights concerns of Indian women. It showed a lack of confidence in the patriarchy-driven system. The upsurge was aided by the greater voice that women get today.
- Various environmental movements in India have displayed sentiments of political negligence but also, empowerment of masses.
Conclusion: Rise of social movements can be linked to political processes, although not necessarily in an exclusive manner. These movements are a hallmark of modern political societies. It exhibits how the flow of democracy is from vertical to horizontal.