Stephen Hart

Cultural Dilemmas of Progressive Politics: Styles of Engagement among Grassroots Activists

Despite there having been no significant move to the right in recent years in public political opinion, conservatives have fared much better than progressives. This text explores the reasons for this pattern through examination of case studies of grassroots movements. The book focuses particularly on the economic justice work carried on by congregation-based community organizing and the pursuit of human rights by local members of Amnesty International. The author shows how such groups develop distinctive ways of talking about politics and create characteristic stories, ceremonies and practices.