Symbolism And Social Movements

This research study attempts to shed light on the ways in which symbols influence social movements.By using the example of the Yellow Vest Movement(French: Mouvement des gilets jaunes),this research study explores the origins of the yellow vest symbol,why and how it spread,its influence and whether there exists a “freeriding” problem in the use of symbols in social movements.Alongside that,this research study seeks to understand whether there exists a link between the historical background and identity of a movement and its symbols with its ability to impact social movements in countries other than where it originated.The scope of this study will be limited to the Yellow Vest inspired movement in Montenegro with some considerations to its French origins.This will help answer the question of why the movement spread.In order to answer the questions of how the movement spread and what influence it had,a survey has been conducted in Montenegro with 317 respondents ages 15 to 65 from a population of 416,115.The survey includes both quantitative and qualitative questions to get a full insight of the mindset of the Montenegrin society in regards to the Yellow Vest Movement.Four main questions will be answered.First,to what extent did social media influence the spread of the Yellow Vest Movement to Montenegro? The second question looks at whether or not the symbol of the yellow vest and its French origin made individuals in Montenegro look at the movement positively in their own country? Third,did protestors in Montenegro try to legitimize their grievances by connecting their protests to the Yellow Vest Movement in France? In other words,did protestors in Montenegro try to freeride the symbol of the yellow vest to justify their own agenda? And lastly,can the use of symbolism provide an effective explanation for the reasons that led to the social movement in Montenegro?...