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Abstract
This article looks at the contribution of Franz von Benda-Beckmann to the analysis of political agency at the grassroots, especially the ways in which people at the margins and political activists contest existing structures of power. It examines in particular the relevance of von Benda-Beckmann's approach for the analysis of the PAH (Platform of Mortgage Victims) in Spain, a social movement that stands up against the wave of house evictions as a result of the economic crisis and the collapse of the housing market.
It is argued that people who have a contested relation with existing structures of power express normative values that differ from state rules. This makes legal anthropology in general, and von Benda-Beckmann's approach of legal pluralism in particular, very relevant to this area of study. Von Benda-Beckmann's thoughts about law and legal pluralism are discussed in relation to grassroots politics. The values of his ideas are highlighted as well as analytical points of departure from his views.
Acknowledgements
I wish to express my gratitude to the activists and participants of the PAH in Salobreña, Valencia and Málaga for opening their doors and sharing their experiences with us. I thank Jeroen Bok and Miriam Vreman for their enthusiastic collaboration in this research project.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes
1. 15 M is a social movement that emerged from the crisis and that demands a radical change of the political and economic system in Spain. The movement became famous after the massive occupation of public squares in Spain on 15 May 2011.
