Women's movements: abeyant or still on the move?

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to offer a consideration of the adequacy of the concept of abeyance in accounting for women's movement processes in non‐social movement organisations in periods characterised by quiescence rather than insurgence.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is primarily conceptual.

Findings

By extending the political process school of social movement theory, which relies heavily on visible activism to explain movement success, to include the new social movement approach, it is contended that underlying processes of change, associated with the values and affiliations of those involved in non‐social movement organisations, become clearer. Less visible processes are identified through the variable rhythms and multiple, discontinuous experiences of women's movement supporters characterised as concealed adherents, informal networkers, and fellow travellers who can include male supporters.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations: as the paper is primarily conceptual, there is a need to develop the practical implications beyond those mentioned below. Implications: there is a need to reorient research into organisational change to take fuller account of social movement processes.

Practical implications

It is recognised that the literature on organisational and managerial change in non‐social movement organisations needs to take account of the differing experiences and potential strategies of those likely to be affected.

Originality/value

Originality of the paper lies in the use of insights drawn from the field of political sociology to enrich understanding of gender and organisational change.

Citation

Barry, J., Chandler, J. and Berg, E. (2007), "Women's movements: abeyant or still on the move?", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 352-369. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150710749449