Political Communication in social transformation and revolution

This chapter reviews literature on the role of individual and mass communication in social transformation and revolution. The authors argue that many functions crucial to sweeping social transformation have always been dependent upon communications. Based on a lifecycle model of social movements, the chapter reflects upon how social change advocates develop communications strategies, build movements dedicated to enacting change, promote their political program, organize action among supporters during periods of public contention, and maintain advocacy organizations during periods of retrenchment. Moreover, the authors show that new technologies have been rapidly incorporated into communications strategies by both advocates for and opponents of social transformation. However, the ultimate impact of these and future changes worldwide on advocacy for social change is unknowable but certain to be profound.