Social Movement Theory in relation to NAPE

Paul Tennassee

### Evaluation of Social Movement Theory in Relation to NAPFE

**Purpose**: To analyze the role and activities of the National Alliance of Postal
and Federal Employees (NAPFE) through the lens of Social Movement Theory
(SMT), focusing on how the union's strategies, mobilization efforts, and interactions
with broader social movements contributed to its goals and impact.

### Key Components of Social Movement Theory

1. **Resource Mobilization**
- Emphasizes the importance of resources (e.g., money, labor, social capital) for
the success of social movements.
- Focuses on how movements acquire, manage, and deploy these resources.

2. **Political Opportunity Structure**

- Highlights the influence of the external political environment on social
movements.
- Considers the opportunities and constraints posed by political, economic, and
social contexts.

3. **Framing Processes**
- Examines how social movements frame issues, goals, and identities to mobilize
support.
- Involves the use of narratives, symbols, and rhetoric to shape public perception
and policy debates.

4. **Mobilizing Structures**
- Refers to the organizational forms and networks through which social
movements mobilize participants.
- Includes formal organizations, informal networks, and coalitions.

5. **Collective Identity**
- Focuses on the sense of shared identity and solidarity among movement
participants.
- Highlights the role of identity in motivating participation and sustaining
movement efforts.

### Application of Social Movement Theory to NAPFE

1. **Resource Mobilization**
- **Financial and Human Resources**: NAPFE mobilized financial resources
through membership dues and fundraising activities. The union also relied on the
active participation of its members to carry out its campaigns and advocacy efforts.
- **Social Capital**: NAPFE leveraged social capital by building networks with
other civil rights and labor organizations. These alliances enhanced its capacity to
mobilize support and influence policy.

2. **Political Opportunity Structure**

- **Post-War Political Climate**: The post-World War II era presented both
opportunities and challenges. The emerging civil rights movement created a
favorable environment for NAPFE's goals, while the rise of McCarthyism posed
significant constraints.
- **Legislative and Policy Context**: NAPFE's activities were influenced by
legislative developments, such as the Taft-Hartley Act and executive orders
promoting fair employment practices. The union navigated these political
landscapes to advance its agenda.

3. **Framing Processes**
- **Racial Justice and Labor Rights**: NAPFE framed its struggle as part of the
broader fight for racial justice and labor rights. This framing resonated with both the
civil rights movement and the labor movement, facilitating cross-movement
solidarity.
- **Narratives of Equality and Democracy**: The union used narratives of equality
and democracy to challenge discriminatory practices and policies. These narratives
appealed to American ideals, countering the exclusionary rhetoric of the time.

4. **Mobilizing Structures**
- **Organizational Forms**: NAPFE's formal organizational structure provided a
foundation for its activities. Local chapters and national leadership coordinated
efforts to address members' concerns and advocate for policy changes.
- **Networks and Coalitions**: The union formed coalitions with other
organizations, such as the NAACP and CIO, to strengthen its advocacy efforts.
These networks facilitated resource sharing and joint campaigns.

5. **Collective Identity**
- **Shared Identity and Solidarity**: NAPFE fostered a strong sense of collective
identity among African American federal employees. This shared identity motivated
participation and sustained the union's efforts despite external challenges.
- **Empowerment and Agency**: By emphasizing the empowerment and agency
of its members, NAPFE cultivated a culture of resilience and resistance against
systemic discrimination.

### Case Studies and Examples

1. **Legal Battles and Advocacy**: NAPFE's legal battles against discriminatory

hiring and promotion practices showcased its ability to mobilize resources and
frame its struggle in terms of justice and equality. These efforts often involved
collaboration with other civil rights organizations.
2. **Campaigns for Policy Changes**: NAPFE's campaigns for policies such as
desegregation and fair employment practices reflected its strategic use of political
opportunities and framing processes. The union's advocacy contributed to broader
legislative and policy shifts.

3. **Response to McCarthyism**: The anti-communist purge of the late 1940s and

1950s posed significant challenges for NAPFE. The union's resilience during this
period highlighted its strong organizational structures and the solidarity among its
members.

### Conclusion

Evaluating NAPFE's activities through the lens of Social Movement Theory

provides a comprehensive understanding of the union's strategies, challenges, and
achievements.

1. **Resource Mobilization**: NAPFE's effective mobilization of financial, human,

and social resources was crucial for its success. The union's ability to leverage
these resources underscores the importance of resource management in social
movements.

2. **Political Opportunity Structure**: NAPFE's navigation of the political landscape

illustrates the impact of external opportunities and constraints on social
movements. The union's strategic responses to these factors highlight its
adaptability and resilience.

3. **Framing Processes**: NAPFE's framing of its struggle in terms of racial justice,

labor rights, and democratic ideals facilitated broad-based support and legitimized
its cause. The union's use of framing processes underscores the power of
narratives in social movements.

4. **Mobilizing Structures**: NAPFE's organizational forms and networks were

essential for mobilizing participants and sustaining its efforts. The union's coalition-
building efforts exemplify the importance of collaboration in achieving movement
goals.

5. **Collective Identity**: NAPFE's emphasis on collective identity

and solidarity fostered a strong sense of empowerment among its
members. This shared identity was crucial for sustaining
participation and resistance against systemic discrimination.

### Implications

1. **Academic Insight**: This evaluation contributes to the understanding of labor

and civil rights movements, offering insights into NAPFE's role and impact within
these broader contexts.
2. **Policy Implications**: Insights from NAPFE's experiences can inform
contemporary advocacy efforts, highlighting the importance of resource
mobilization, strategic framing, and coalition-building in achieving social justice
goals.

3. **Historical Recognition**: Recognizing NAPFE's contributions enriches the

narrative of American labor and civil rights history, emphasizing the
interconnectedness of these movements and the enduring struggle for equality and
justice.