Social Movements, 1768-2004

In Social Movements, 1768–2004, renowned social scientist Charles Tilly traces the development of social movements from their emergence in eighteenth-century Western Europe to their global presence in the modern world. Tilly argues that social movements are not timeless phenomena but a distinct political invention that evolved alongside democratization, public participation, and changing forms of governance. By placing protest and collective action within a historical framework, he reveals how movements developed recognizable repertoires — demonstrations, petitions, public campaigns — that continue to shape political expression today.

Drawing on extensive research and comparative analysis, Tilly examines how social movements influence democratic change, interact with state power, and adapt across cultures and eras. Insightful and accessible, this book offers readers a deeper understanding of how organized public action became a central force in modern politics and what the future may hold for movements worldwide.

Paperback, Very Good