Since the beginning of the 1990s there is a growing direct action movement in the UK, starting with the emergence of the Earth First! (EF!) network.
An actual example is the protest against Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), a company carry-ing out biotechnological research and development including in-vitro-techniques and animal testing.
At the same time the support for the parliamentary democratic system seem to be declining, expressed, for instance, by the decreasing turnout in general elections.
So, what are the chances for contribution to the democratic system in the UK? Where is the concept limited and aren’t there even risks for the democratic system? Here the protests against HLS become an important example again since HLS works under considerable con-straints created by the protesters, not only affecting their business, but also their employee’s private lives. (Grant: 2004, p. 414)
A term also often used in this context is “civil disobedience”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definitions: direct action and civil disobedience
- Examples: Poll Tax and Huntingdon Life Sciences
- Chances for the UK society
- Limitations for direct action
- Risks of direct action
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text examines the growing direct action movement in the UK, particularly focusing on its potential impact on the democratic system. The author aims to understand the chances, limitations, and risks associated with direct action as a means of achieving political, social, and environmental change.
- The definition and characteristics of direct action and civil disobedience
- Examples of direct action campaigns, including the anti-poll tax movement and protests against Huntingdon Life Sciences
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of direct action for UK society
- The relationship between direct action and political engagement
- The ethical and legal considerations surrounding direct action
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The text introduces the rise of direct action in the UK since the 1990s, highlighting the growing disinterest in the parliamentary system and the emergence of groups like Earth First! and protesters against Huntingdon Life Sciences.
- Definitions: direct action and civil disobedience: This section provides definitions of direct action and civil disobedience, emphasizing their key differences and similarities. It also includes perspectives from direct action activists themselves.
- Examples: Poll Tax and Huntingdon Life Sciences: This chapter contrasts two prominent examples of direct action: the anti-poll tax campaign and the protests against Huntingdon Life Sciences. The text analyzes their motivations, methods, and societal impact.
- Chances for the UK society: This section explores the potential benefits of direct action for UK society, focusing on its impact on political engagement and social justice. It discusses the arguments for and against the effectiveness of direct action.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key concepts explored in this text include direct action, civil disobedience, political participation, social justice, ethical considerations, legal limitations, and the impact of protests on the UK political system. The text also examines the roles of groups such as Earth First! and Huntingdon Life Sciences, as well as the anti-poll tax movement, as examples of direct action in practice.
- Quote paper
- Georg Schwedt (Author), 2004, Direct Action in the UK - chances, limitations and risks, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/54543
