Occupy Wall Street and 15M in Comparative and Theoretical Perspective

This paper compares and contrasts the 15M movement in Spain (los indignados) with the Occupy Wall Street movement in the United States. We examine the class and social background and the grievances and concerns of the protesters in each country. We also examine the external and cross-border influences on each movement, public opinion toward each movement, and the tactical repertoire, achievements, and limitations of each movement. We ask how these movements support or contradict sociological theories about the origins, diffusion, and outcomes of movements.