HOW DO URBAN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS EMERGE AND BRING ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE: IS FOCUS E15 A REACTION TO AUSTERITY?

This research offers an insight into how a small group of people from diverse backgrounds came together as the Focus E15 campaign and use street activism and occupying space to challenge the policies of Newham Council. This group on first appearance can be seen to relate to the academic work of Mario Diani regarding new social movements. Focus E15 use urban space such as was used by the Occupy Movement and through the use of Art and Social Media enhance their presence outside of East London. The study shows what is important to working-class people and how solidarity is used to achieve goals. Through engaging with and observing this group and their thoughts the thesis adds to existing literature in regards to how to challenge social cleansing and injustice in urban East London. The Focus E15 campaign use tactics keeping them at the forefront of social movements