Document Type
Honors Project
Abstract
Macalester’s identity as a college is deeply rooted in its commitments to social justice,
activism, and multiculturalism. As such, it has a rich history of student social movements defined by unique, decentralized networking structures forming out of the constraints of working in a college environment. In terms of structure, what do successful Macalester social movement organizations look like? I argue that Macalester social movement organizations form concentrically nested structures and that these networks in concert with organizational tactics lead to success or failure in terms of goal acquisition. I draw on the history of Macalester student social movement organizations, highlighting four unique case studies in which students targeted the administration hoping to change college policy: Expanded Educational Opportunities protestors in the 1970s, the Dream Act Committee, Kick Wells Fargo off Campus, and Fossil Free Macalester.
Recommended Citation
Catlin, Hannah D., "Structured for Success: Activist networks as key to organizing victories at Macalester" (2021). Political Science Honors Projects. 90.
https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/poli_honors/90
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