ABSTRACT
Before applying this theory to social movement phenomena it is useful to present and discuss it in detail. This makes it possible to recognize its strengths and weaknesses and, thus, possible limitations as a theoretical foundation for the field of social movements. Another reason for a detailed discussion is that the theoretical approach this book advances is based on the approach of the theory of collective action: this theory integrates a macro proposition, a micro theory and suggests various micro-to-macro (bottom-up) and macro-to-micro (top-down) assumptions. In other words, the theory sets forth a micro-macro approach. This is done in a much more explicit way than in the other theoretical perspectives discussed in this book. This is not to say that we adopt the theory in its present form. As this chapter shows, the theory has many weaknesses. Nonetheless, much of it can be retained as a foundation for an integrated approach to social movements and political protest.
