Introduction to ‘Surviving Neoliberalism: The Persistence of Australian Social Movements’

Abstract

This article considers the survival tactics and successes of Australian social movements during the Howard years (1996–2007). It explores how movements might operate in a political environment that is hostile and bereft of opportunities, and where the strategies of government seek to exclude deliberately progressive collective voices. The article examines theories of neoliberalism and neoconservatism and shows how these came together in the Australian example. Key theories of social movements are also discussed to foreground the empirical case studies that comprise the bulk of this special issue of Social Movement Studies. Précis of the articles making up this issue are then provided. The article concludes by reflecting on the prospects for change post-Howard.

Keywords:

• Abeyance
• Howard government
• neoconservatism
• neoliberalism
• political opportunity
• social movement networks

Acknowledgements

Sincere thanks go to Brian Doherty, Tim Doyle and Jenny Pickerill for helping this project come to fruition. Thanks are also due to all of the anonymous reviewers and, of course, to the authors who have contributed to this special issue.