The roots of protest and social movement go back centuries, from the Protestant Reformation of the early 16th century and revolutions in France and Haiti, to 1969’s Stonewall riots and today’s Black Lives Matter marches. When we disagree with a piece of legislation being passed, or the handling of a human rights issue, we have a democratic right to take to the streets, sign petitions and write to our MPs to make sure our voices are heard.
In this lecture-style workshop, part of a programme of events and masterclasses marking the 200th anniversary of The Guardian, two experts invite you to dig into the history of social movement, and explore how it has influenced the way we make our voices heard today.
With Kevin Gillan, senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester, you will discover the invention of the social movement, including the evolution of ideology and strategy. You will also learn about the differing forms of protest, and explore whether, in the information age, anything is really new.
After learning about the historical foundations of protest with Kevin, Guardian reporter Damien Gayle will talk about the current state of protest and how things may develop. You will be guided through an evolution of social movements and protests in recent years, from anti-fracking and Extinction Rebellion, to Kill the Bill and anti-lockdown marches. Damien will also touch on the media’s varying relationship with protest, and the changing relationship between protest and the state.
This fascinating duo of lectures is essential for anyone with a keen interest in the history of social movements, who wants to unpack the ways in which protest has evolved to where we are today, as well as anyone intrigued by the current debate around protest.
Course content
Kevin Gillan on the history of social movements, the evolution of protest and the relationship between strategy and ideology
Damien Gayle on the current state of protest in the UK
Audience Q&A
This course is for...
Anyone interested in learning more about the history of protest and social movements as a form of resistance
Anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the current debate around protest
Explore the radical ideas that have upturned history and shaped the way we think now - and learn how we can use these progressive ideas to build a better future - in our interactive lecture series, Ideas in Progress, taught by leading Guardian writers and academics making waves in the intellectual world.
Tutor Profiles
Kevin Gillan is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of Department in Sociology at the University of Manchester. His research and writing have focused on social movements opposing wars and corporate capitalism, particularly exploring the ways in which new ideas are created and communicated, and the relationship between strategy and ideology. Kevin has also served as Editor-in-Chief of the international scholarly journal, Social Movement Studies, giving him close knowledge of recent developments in the study of movements across the world.
Details
Date: Wednesday 2 June 2021
Times: 6pm-8.30pm (BST)
Price: £28 (plus booking fee)
This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
6pm BST | 7pm CEST | 10am PDT | 1pm EDT
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