Learning in social movements: The Case of the progressive women’s organization

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the learnings gained in social movements that have been transformative for adults in terms of their education. A case study was conducted focusing on the Progressive Women’s Organization (PWO) in Turkey at its office in the Beyoğlu district of İstanbul. The study was informed by new social movement theory, which is concerned with personal, nonpolitical reasons for engaging in activism. New social movements are key phenomena in the struggle by today’s generation to change the future. The research described here involved indepth interviews with ten female members of the PWO ranging in age from 27 to 62 years. The findings revealed that engagement in activism for personal and social reasons in the context of a social movement can transform adults in positive ways with regard to confidence, happiness, altruism, courage, willingness to participate, generosity, and empathy. The interviewees affirmed that activism had changed their lives, ideas, and prospects for the future and had impacted their children, families, and friends as well. These findings suggest that individuals who participate in social movements believe themselves to be engaged in significant learning opportunities.