Social Change and Creative Activism in the 21st Century

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

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2. Identifying the Phenomenon — More Than an Ethical Spectacle

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Occupying the Space In-Between

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 3-24

   3. Creative Activism Today

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 25-43

3. Mapping the Field — Using the Terrain to Your Advantage

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 45-45

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   2. First Movers and Circular Cycles of Contention

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 47-71

   3. Paradoxes of Participation

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 72-89

4. Exploring the Practice — New Theoretical Framework

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 91-91

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   2. The Ambivalence of Cynicism, Irony, and Utopia

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 93-119

   3. Mirroring Counter Strategies

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 120-157

5. Questioning the Impact — New Trends and Future Dilemmas

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 159-159

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   2. Professionalization and Cooptation

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 161-188

   3. The Gordian Knot — Measuring Effect and Revisiting Theories of Change

      • Silas F. Harrebye

      Pages 189-221

6. Back Matter

   Pages 222-251

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This book is a large-scale study of global creative activism. It explores how activists facilitate the cultivation of societal alternatives. Harrebye shows that social activism has got a creative new edge that is blurring the boundaries between artist and activist, and pop, prank, and protest.

• creative activism
• social movements
• globalization
• participation
• citizenship
• civil society
• democracy
• Citizenship
• social change
• utopia

“In what is a lively and engaging study, Harrebye explores key aspects of the phenomenon, maps the field through a rich theoretical overview, examines established and emerging forms of activist praxis, and reflects on the impact these practices may have on social change. … Harrebye not only guides the reader through, at times, difficult conceptual and philosophical content, he also presents an original framework that bridges and supplements traditional theories of social movements.” (Ian Reilly, International Journal of Communication, Vol. 10, 2016)

“The century of change from the centre and the top down is giving way to a century of change from the margins and the bottom up. Spurred by technology and a networked spirit – activism is being transformed … Harrebye expertly guides us through this emerging world and its profound implications for everything that is political in the 21st century.” (Neal Lawson, Compass, UK)

“This book … combines most original theoretical reflections with rich empirical research.” (Donatella della Porta, Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy)

“Instead of considering just one aspect of creative activism or one group of practitioners, Harrebye has done us a great service by stepping back and offering a way of understanding the entire fi eld. An original and valuable contribution!” (Stephen Duncombe, New York University, USA)

“This important book offers a theory of critical reflection showing how these expressive and playful elements of protest transcend the status quo to expose problems, challenge rulers, and inspire people to participate together to make change.”
-Lance Bennett, University of Washington, USA 

• Roskilde University, Denmark

  Silas F. Harrebye

Silas Harrebye is Associate Professor at the Department of Society and Globalisation, Roskilde University, Denmark. He has published his research in several international peer review journals and teaches widely on new forms of democratic participation. Harrebye has a background in philosophy, has experience as a consultant and social entrepreneur, and has been a board member for Action Aid Denmark and The Alternative.

Policies and ethics