Social Movements of the Core and the Periphery

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Abstract
This article focuses on the theoretical foundations of the sociological approach to social movements as it developed in the mid-1980s. It is argued here that within a certain stream of world-system theory there is sufficient theoretical space to consider the new movements, which occur (or would occur) at different places on the globe, and which address the state. The premises, propositions and conclusions of world-system theory are distinguished and analysed in the light of their explanatory utility regarding social movements. Current criti cism of the theory is also considered, and suggestions are articulated about potentially new perspectives on social movements. Following this, theories of the state and of social movements are evaluated as to the exactness of their respective explanations. In the concluding remarks, we argue that the social movements approach, if properly amended, may detect the seeds of social change long before they actually reach the surface of society.

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