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Fenton
Peter Fenton
SC 300
Bruce Peterson
7 November 2006
Requirements, Problems, And Strategies:
A Theory Of Persuasion For Social Movements
Scholarly Work by Herbert W. Simons
Election Day is upon us and you are going to be first in line to cast you ballot, because you believe it’s time for a change. Unfortunately, you are only one voice, and your voice alone is not enough to support the cause. What are you going to do to assure that the cause is implemented? The cause is commendable, and will benefit us all. You feel so strongly, and are so adamant that your position is the right one that you will stop at nothing to enforce your beleifs. It is up to you to lead the movement. You must invoke the masses. If you don’t lead the movement than no one else will and you just can not allow that to happen.
What strategies will you use to lead? Do you know there are requirements to leading a social movement? Do you know that even if you obey these requirements you are still inevitably bound to have problems? If you are on the verge of leading a great social movement, I would highly recommend that you read Dr. Herbert W. Simons’. “Requirements, Problems, And Strategies: A Theory Of Persuasion For Social Movements.”
Dr. Herbert W. Simons is the founder of Temple issues forum and his work in public communication includes persuasion, social movements, political campaigns, and Burkean rhetorical theory. He is also a recipient of the National Communication Association’s “Distinguished Scholar” award and as of 2004 had taught at Temple University since 1960.
Dr. Simons’ paper is aimed at providing a leader-centered conception of persuasion in social movements. Derived in large measure from sociological theory it examines the rhetorical process from the perspective of the leader of a movement: the requirements he must fulfill, the problems he faces, and the strategies he may adopt to meet those requirements. A social movement is defined as an “uninstitutionalized collectivity that mobilizes for action to implement a program for the reconstitution of social norms or values.” The focus of the paper is on reformist and revolutionary movements.
The paper focuses on the rhetorical dilemmas that confront those who would lead a social movement. Movements are as likely to fall apart from within as they are to suppression from without. Because the leaders of movements are just as compelled to fulfill the same internal and external requirements as the heads of most conventional organizations, their leaders can expect greater resistance from both insiders and outsiders. In the face of these and other problems, the leader may adopt the traditionally prescribed tactics and style of the moderate or those of his more militant counterpart. However, the choice between moderate and militant strategies introduces even more dilemmas. The greatest of leaders, (i.e. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), seem capable of combining both strategies without inconsistency by justifying their use with appeals to higher principles. According to Simons, this is known as intermediate strategy.
I found Simons to be impartial in his writing. He lists both the positives and the negatives for each strategy and shows little prejudice one way or the other. Simons conducted extensive research in order to write his paper, citing over fifty sources.
As I stated earlier, I would highly recommend reading Simons’ article. Simons’ article not only applies to you if you are planning on leading a social movement but will also educate you to be able to recognize what strategies are being used by the leader of the next movement that grabs your attention. Be prepared to read the paper multiple times in order to fully grasp Simons’ writing. Although the paper is interesting enough to warrant a second reading, I personally found Simons’ writing to be opaque.