Nouveaux Mouvements sociaux et partis politiques au Quebec: un defi organisationnel?

In: Politique et sociétés, Band 19, Heft 1, S. 135-161

Abstract

Does the presence of new social movements (NSM) represent a challenge for established political parties? An attempt is made to answer this question by considering the organizational challenge from the standpoint of the motivations to adhere to a social movement or to a political party that is at the root of every organization, & of the conception of the members' own organization. This study is based on interviews conducted with approximately 40 male & female activists from two NSM (environmental & women groups) along with both major political parties in Quebec. This research shows that there are two diverging visions, one that is targeted on a unique cause in the NSM, & the other more encompassing in the parties. These two visions appear irreconcilable, especially since each group displays a certain degree of skepticism toward the political actions of the other. Furthermore, the parties' hierarchical & centralized organization strongly contrasts with the flexible & simple structures that characterize the NSM. Nevertheless, rather than addressing the challenge & opposition between the two, we suggest to view them as complementary. Adapted from the source document.