| A number of scholars have developed social movement theories to explain how, why, and under what conditions mass protests emerge and progress, all of which require the ability to gather and effectively use research data. Yet, in contemporary times, it is not known how and to what extent social movement organizers use social movement theory and research to plan, drive, and evaluate mobilization efforts. This 2-phase sequential mixed method research study explored whether and to what extent social movement actors in the Midwest value, access, and use research and social movement theory to inform a course of action. The study is important because it measures the degree to which social change agents use research and theory to guide and reinforce social movement work. Without the capacity to use research and theory for reinforcement in decision making, social change agents are forced to rely on hearsay, intuition, and popular knowledge to determine when and if conditions are ripe for movement. Further, according to Backer, Bleeg, & Groves (2006), "Exploring Foundation Financial Investments in Nonprofit Capacity Building," nearly 25% of funders that traditionally fund capacity building, such as research and evaluation training, for nonprofit organizations planned to significantly reduce funding in these areas, leaving a gaping hole between the supply and support needs of the nonprofit social movement organizations at this critical juncture in history. Using a quantitative survey and qualitative measures, this study provides a rich source of data and a thick description of the utilization of research and theory among social movement organizations in the Midwest, informing the fields of grassroots organizing, nonprofit management, philanthropy, and sociology. |
