The role of law in social change : investigating the perspective of social movement organisations

This thesis explores the relationship between social movements and the law. It seeks to further enhance our understanding of how and why social movement organisations use litigation as a strategy for social change. The theoretical framework for this research draws on current law and social movement theory and social movement theory relating to participation in collective action. The research uses a case study approach to gain insight into law's role in social change from the perspective of social movement organisations working on issues relating to discrimination in employment. It examines in detail the legal strategies of five organisations, across three case study units. These case studies are spread across three jurisdictions The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and England and three rights issues migrant rights, disability rights and religious liberty respectively. To drill down into how social movement organisations strategise in relation to law the thesis provides a detailed descriptive and analytical presentation of the legal strategies of each of the case study units. It also conducts a comparative analysis which cuts across all of the case studies, identifying what are the context bound strategic considerations which have impacted on the decision to litigate and how social movement organisations have responded to litigation outcomes. Data gathered in the research is used to augment current understandings of the relationship between social movements and the law by providing insight into how social movement organisations strategise. The research underlines the complexity and fluidity of the relationship between law and social movements and draws out common characteristics of social movement legal strategies; highlighting where contextual considerations are of comparable value. The research has allowed for some general statements to be made about social movement conceptualisation of law and law's role in social change. It has also identified where future research could usefully be progressed.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo