ABSTRACT
Social constructionism addresses the micro-level of social psychology, whereas new social movement theory analyzed the macro-level of social structure and broad historical transformations between societal types. The meso-level orientation of resource mobilization and political process theories left 'space' for rivals addressing other levels of analysis. The conjuncture of grand European theorizing, fundamental structural transformations, and novel collective action thereby inspired visionary work that has collectively come to be identified as new social movement theory. The cultural version of new social movement theory is post-Marxist in presuming a more radical break between past and present societal types and movement forms. Manuel Castells's focus is the impact of capitalist dynamics on the transformation of urban space and the role of urban social movements in this process. Alain Touraine implies that movements based on difference, specificity, or identity too easily dismiss the analysis of social relations and the denunciation of power.
