The State in Question

          The State is a social process, an organized power structure, and a system to which societies submit their actions. “The State in Question,” by Stuart Hall, is an overview of the origin of the state. According to Hall, the state is “a historical phenomenon,” and thus, he gives a historical recapitulation of the way that the state has evolved throughout history. From ancient Greece, to a neoliberal state, societies have experienced drastic changes in the way the system has worked. It is important to realize that Hall’s main objective is to explain the complexity of the state and the necessity of these changes. The state, as Hall says, “Is in some way ‘representative’ of society.” In other words, as societies evolve and the relations between its citizens, or any other aspect of society change, then the state will also adjust in order to assist the necessities of the people. Hall also refers to the Marxists’ perspective that it is mainly the higher social class who is in charge of the state, which is to say a capitalist society. Therefore, having the state represent our society is to resign from any chance of reaching an egalitarian society. Do we need any more reasons to start a social movement? I don’t think so!


M.A.

Social Movements Reader

           Today, we are living in a world where democracy has been greatly overrated. The indirect democracy that we “beneficiate” from, has managed to let us speak… at a very low volume. Sometimes even enabling the mute button without our awareness. The changes that societies have been experiencing, are not always favorable to everybody, it is then that we need to turn our amplifiers on and let our voices be heard. Social movements are the motor vehicle of these demands and have proven, over the years, that the results are always favorable.

            Goodwin and Jasper introduce us to social movements by explaining their complexity. A social movement is “a bit like art” (5), according to the editors. Like any art piece, a social movement requires time, dedication, and a whole lot of character. In Goodwin and Jasper’s introduction they explain the necessity of social movements in order to reach a more productive society. One that does not just “endlessly reproduce [itself]” but instead, advances in the pursuit of a better and more productive social stage. These positive changes are only possible through social movements that persuade the people in charge to not “routinize everything” (4), but instead “recognize new fears and desires” (4) and deal with them through social changes.

M.A.

http://www.amazon.com/Social-Movements-Reader-Blackwell-Sociology/dp/0631221964