Social Movements: An Ostromian Perspective

The objective of this paper is to interpret social movement activity using the conceptual tools of Bloomington political economy. Mainstream theory predicts that collective action to achieve objectives of societal transformation is infeasible, given the incentive of individuals to free ride on the commitments of others to the social movement cause. We suggest the intellectual legacy of Elinor and Vincent Ostrom provides an alternative, and more affirming, view of the contribution of social movements, and similar collectives, toward change. Key understandings from the Ostromian approach include: (i) deployment of non-material strategies, such as resonating frames and emotional cues, to elicit social movement participation; (ii) development of organising strategies as acts of artisanship within the boundaries of social movements; and (iii) strategic and tactical selection by movement participants to feasibly obtain concessions and other gains from various actors in polycentric spaces. This study applies the Ostroms’ approach to political economy to understand the involvement of early-state feminist movement toward property rights liberalisation in the United States. We argue the Bloomington School offers valuable insights to better appreciate the operations and impacts of social movements.