Movement

Contemporary political literature has frequently made use (especiallysince the second half of the 20th century) of the term ‘spring ’ to refer to political and social events contrary to the existing order, which generate new hopes and ideals for society. These ‘springs ’ or ‘springtimes ’ are usually characterized by spontaneity and social solidarity, political originality and radically democratic practice. The metaphorical use of the term alludes, in the political and social sphere, to a demand for change and transformation, the emergence of a new social order based on solidarity which confronts an unbearable present burdened by injustice for the majority of the population. There is no question that these ideals and demands for change were what led 15,000 people from many parts of the world to participate in the five-day World Social Forum (WSF) at Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 25 to 30 Januar