The Organizational And Political Transformation Of A Social Movement: A Study Of The 30th Of May Movement In Curacao
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Date
1971-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Disaster Research Center
Abstract
Description
There is considerable variation among social movements in the degree to
which they are organized and Integrated. Usually, however, integration and
coordination are problematsic for social movements as they tend to be marked
by considerable dissensus. As Rillian has noted: "Many movements are comprised
of diverse segments, each with its own structure, loosely united only by their
allegiance to the central, explicit values and by the tendancy of outsiders
to view them as parts of a single who1e." In many cases, there is no overall
formal organlzation or structure which wields such diverse elements together.
In fact, the interaction between the various components of a social movement
is often characterized by conflict. There are points in the life history of some social movements, however,
when the disintegrative tendencies are cancelled out, or are temporarily
neutralized. Such periods are characterized by a growing consensus among the
various components of a movement regarding such matters as goals and tactics,
and a heightened sense of in-group consciousness. Under these circumstances,
greater coordination and integration may emerge among the diverse segments of
a movement, thus enabling it to have a profound affect upon its environment.
In this paper, we will present a case study of a movement, more specifically
the labor movement in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, which underwent such a
transformation beginning in May, 1969, hence the designation of this transformation
as the "May Movement." Prior to this period, the labor movement in
Curacao was highly fragmented, lacking the basis for sustained coordinated
action. Among other things, the dissensus within the movement involved
ideological and political considerations. The transformation of the labor movement assured several forms, the most dramatic being a riot during which there was loss of life and many injuries, and mlllions of dollars in property
damage. In the discussion to follow, we will describe and offer an explanation
for the various forms the transformation of the labor movement took beginning
in May, 1969. Also, we will more briefly consider some of the consequences that
the transformation of the labor movement had for its environment.
Keywords
Curacao, Political Transformation, Organizational Transformation, Social Movement