MOBILIZATION PROCESSES AND THE 1989 CHINESE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT

Using a multimethod strategy, we identify and analyze mobilization pro cesses associated with the rapid emergence of the 1989 Chinese Democra cy Movement. We propose that the confluence of macro-, meso-, and micr omobilization processes and linkages among them provide a more robust model for understanding social movement dynamics. While the Chinese De mocracy Movement was facilitated by economic reforms, regime crises, d elayed repression, and the presence of foreign journalists, institutio nal forces were not sufficient in explaining the rapid and extensive m obilization. Students were able to overcome deficits in organizational and media resources by co-opting extant networks and by developing re sonant collective action frames. Their frame alignment strategies and nonviolent direct action tactics tended to resonate with ordinary peop le's observations and experiences as well as with traditional Chinese narratives of Confucianism, nationalism, and communism. State reaction s and counterframings, on the other hand, failed to sway the masses. I nstead, participation spread from a few hundred college students to mi llions of citizens and ended, tragically and ironically, with the ''Pe ople's Army'' slaughtering its own people around Tiananmen Square.