Why Change? Organizational Adaptation and Stability in a Social Movement Field

摘要: Why do social movement organizations change? This study attempts to answer this question by observing forty diverse (from both random and convenience samples) active across a wide spectrum of movements in Seattle, Washington between 1999 2005. It focuses on changing organizational strategies⎯measured as combinations issues, tactics, targets⎯during dramatic period expanding contracting political opportunities (e.g., anti-WTO protests, election G. W. Bush, September 11 attack, Afghanistan Iraq wars). The analysis, based interviews with representatives from the organizations, charts adaptation stability at field organization levels. A series maps field, generated using correspondence depict relative similarity difference these their targets during each year study. reveal surprisingly stable characterized three distinct types (as indicated targets) that persist throughout period. Significant growth size peace middle has remarkably little effect overall shape field. is further confirmed level. Neither resource mobilization nor opportunity theories anticipate such high degree stability, explanations for find support data. Consistent perspective, SMOs broader goals are more likely change than counterparts. However, contrary view, younger greater resources centralized, bureaucratic structures less change.