Resist, Refuse, Occupy

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter examines the potential significance of the ‘Occupy’ movement across Europe and North America. It argues that an understanding of the movement is necessary in order to locate its significance (or not) in the broader reaction to the banking collapse.

Design

The chapter draws on the literature and is intentionally speculative in its approach.

Findings

The chapter argues that the Occupy movement is one manifestation of the alter-globalisation movement. This movement has been explicitly opposed to neoliberal ideas. This chapter suggests that the current crisis represents a much more systematic challenge for global capitalism.

Implications /originality

This chapter represents an original and important contribution to our understanding of the conceptual and theoretical ideas present amongst those resisting the impacts of the financial crisis.

Citation

Chesters, G. (2013), "Resist, Refuse, Occupy", Looking for Consensus?: Civil Society, Social Movements and Crises for Public Management (Critical Perspectives on International Public Sector Management, Vol. 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 105-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2045-7944(2013)0000002008