Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Reduction in Collective Action these days- a different view.

In class,we’d discussed with a rather “unfortunate” tone that collective action(like the ones where middle class take to the streets protesting price rise etc.)has decreased these days. But I would like to say we should look at these as a proof of empowerment of individuals and also go beyond thinking of collective action as being epitomized by STRIKES/BANDHS. Technology today has made the “Collective” go beyond the physical and take up forms that are not conspicuous or apparent like in the past.

Empowerment and mutation have changed the face of the collective!

[30054]

5 comments:

anji said...

technology and empowerment had changed the scenario to a certain extent but when the very survival of the individual is at stake he would definitely revolt. even now we find strikes or bandhs but not with the intensity it used to be in 50's or upto 70's. i think leadership and the guiding people apart from the need play a major role in the stikes or bandhs to suceed.

Ritesh Kewlani(p30034) said...

The expectation which an individual has is much more accurate and precise due to the availability of information. It is when the gap between this expectation and accrued benefits crosses a certain threshold that people revolt. I personally believe that in this information age, this gap has reduced. Thus leading to decrease in the number of collective actions.

Ankit Gupta(30063) said...

I have a serious doubt as to what are the things that are pointed towards with this "other perspective"? I mean to say, wot other non apparent collective actions are taking place. if u can please throw some light on this.

chandan said...

I don’t think that gap between people expectation and accrued benefits have become drastically narrow. Instead today also people have greater expectations but now they are more submissive to what they are getting. As any opposition at first hand, has certain costs involved with it, people are considering this cost much than the benefit they will acquire, which is preventing them to oppose. If somebody takes initiative then those who join it later, has lesser cost to bear so most of them wait for initiative which leads to less opposition.

Nitin Pai said...

I agree. I believe that the people today look beyond "visible" collective action acts to improve their well being. Also post 1991 a lot of power has been directed to the markets. Hence the government is not the problem creator or the solver in many situation as in the past.
Also the judiciary has come down heavily on people organising such collective action movements.