Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a grassroots protest movement that began in September 2011 in New York City, aimed at addressing economic inequality and the influence of corporate money in politics. The movement became a symbol of a larger critique of capitalism, highlighting issues like wealth disparity and social injustice, which sparked widespread demonstrations across the globe and influenced public discourse around economic policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street began on September 17, 2011, in Zuccotti Park in New York City and quickly gained international attention.
2. The movement utilized non-violent protests, sit-ins, and encampments to express discontent with corporate greed and political corruption.
3. Occupy Wall Street inspired similar movements around the world, including Occupy movements in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
4. The movement effectively used social media to organize events, spread information, and mobilize supporters, which played a crucial role in its reach and impact.
5. While the physical encampments were dismantled in late 2011, the themes of Occupy Wall Street continue to influence discussions about economic reform and activism today.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street use grassroots tactics to engage individuals who felt marginalized by the political system?
  • Occupy Wall Street employed grassroots tactics by creating inclusive spaces where individuals could express their frustrations about economic inequality and political corruption. The use of direct democracy allowed participants to have their voices heard through consensus-based decision-making processes. This approach empowered marginalized individuals who felt excluded from traditional political discourse, encouraging them to take an active role in shaping the movement's agenda.
• In what ways did Occupy Wall Street influence policy-making processes regarding economic inequality?
  • Occupy Wall Street brought significant attention to issues of economic inequality and corporate influence in politics, leading to discussions about potential reforms. Although it did not result in specific legislation at the time, the movement shifted public discourse towards recognizing wealth disparity as a critical issue. As a result, it laid the groundwork for future policy initiatives aimed at addressing income inequality, such as raising the minimum wage and regulating financial institutions more stringently.
• Evaluate the impact of social media on the organization and dissemination of Occupy Wall Street's message within broader social movements.
  • Social media played a transformative role in shaping Occupy Wall Street by facilitating rapid organization and communication among activists. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allowed for real-time updates on protests, sharing of personal stories about economic struggles, and mobilizing support across diverse demographics. This digital activism not only amplified the movement's message but also connected it to other global social movements, demonstrating how technology can enhance advocacy efforts in an increasingly interconnected world.

Related terms

1% vs. 99%: A slogan popularized by the Occupy Wall Street movement to illustrate the growing economic divide between the wealthiest 1% of the population and the remaining 99%, emphasizing issues of economic inequality.

Direct Democracy: A system of decision-making used by Occupy Wall Street that emphasized consensus and participation from all members, allowing protesters to have a direct voice in the organization and direction of the movement.

Global Justice Movement: A broad social movement advocating for changes to global economic policies and systems, which encompasses various organizations and protests focused on issues like trade, debt relief, and social justice.