Social Movements Seminar Information

Social Movements Seminar

Co-directors: Nicholas Goodell (History) and Gavin Riley (Sociology)

Social movements are a near omnipresent part of modern political life. The rise of right-wing populism and the ongoing Gaza War have compelled activists of diverse political orientations to march and protest for social change. But what does it take to start a social movement? Who participates in them? Can they actually catalyze social and political reform? The Social Movements Seminar will provide a forum to ponder these questions with scholars at the forefront of social movement research. We will recruit a diverse lineup of movement scholars during the 2025-2026 Academic Year to present their work to the Vanderbilt community. These talks will enrich our understanding of how movement actors can (and do) promote societal change.

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