A Comparative Analysis of Pro-Traveller and Pro-Unemployed Mobilisations

In: Irish journal of sociology: IJS : the journal of the Sociological Association of Ireland = Iris socheolaı́ochta na hÉireann, Band 18, Heft 2, S. 59-86

Abstract

Organisations that defend the interests of marginalised and disadvantaged people such as Travellers and the unemployed are inherently different from other types of organisations because, typically, their constituents find it far more difficult to overcome political, social, psychological, and economic obstacles before they can mobilise. These organisations normally compensate for the situation by availing of favourable political and discursive opportunities and by entering into alliances with more powerful allies. This article investigates the ways that pro-Traveller and pro-unemployed organisations in Ireland helped their constituents to mobilise in defence of their interests and it seeks to account for the different dynamics that ensued.