In order to understand social struggles, political movements and individual experiences, the historical context must first be scientifically established. This context includes not only the events of a specific period, but also the long-term economic, cultural and political processes that shaped that period. The historical context is therefore not a “background” but the real determining ground for social transformations.
This chapter provides an academic overview of the social transformations, intergenerational struggles and political atmosphere from the mid-20th century to the present day.
The Second Half of the 20th Century. Modernization, Industrialization and the Rise of Social Movements, The post-World War II period witnessed a rapid process of modernization and industrialization across the world. This process radically changed the social structure.
- Migration from rural to urban areas accelerated.
- Industrial labor expanded.
- Educational opportunities have increased.
- New class positions have emerged.
- Political consciousness has risen.
This transformation paved the way for the emergence of new social movements in many countries. These movements were shaped not only by economic demands, but also by cultural and political demands.
The 1960-1980 Period. Global Political Turmoil and Radicalization of New Generations. This period is a time of great political upheaval around the world. It is referred to as the “Global 68 Wave” in the academic literature. The defining characteristics of this period.
- The rise of student movements
- Widespread working class strikes
- Strengthening of anti-colonial struggles
- Increasing demands for cultural freedom
- Intensification of state repression.
This process led to the emergence of a new political generation in many countries. This generation has developed a strong sensitivity to both social inequalities and political authoritarianism.
1980-2000 Period. Neoliberal Transformation and Reshaping of Social Structure. Since the 1980s, neoliberal policies have been implemented worldwide. These policies deeply affected the social structure.
- Reduced role of the state in the economy
- Public services privatized
- Trade unions weakened
- Precarious forms of work became widespread
- Income inequality has increased.
This period changed the form of social struggles. While collective organizations weakened, individual forms of resistance came to the fore.
Post 2000. Digitalization, Globalization and New Social Movements Since the beginning of the 21st century, the world has been reshaped by the processes of digitalization and globalization. The defining features of this period.
- Widespread use of the Internet
- The entry of social media into the political sphere
- Emergence of digital forms of labor
- Young generations developing new organizational models
- The rise of identity-based movements.
This process has changed both the means and the goals of social struggles.
Intergenerational Struggle. The coexistence of continuity and rupture The historical context is critical for understanding how intergenerational struggles take shape.
Continuity:
- Class inequalities persist
- Demands for social justice continue
- Collective memory is passed on to new generations
Detachment:
- Each generation creates its own tools
- Forms of struggle change
- Political sensibilities are transformed.
This is why the revolutionary struggle is both a chain of continuity and a field of innovation that is reborn in every generation.
Placing Individual Experience in Historical Context
This theoretical and historical framework shows how individual lifelines acquire meaning. It is only in this context that we can understand why an individual: why he or she became radicalized in a certain period, why he or she turned to certain forms of struggle, which social conditions shaped him or her, which generational wave he or she was part of. This will allow us to put your own lifeline on a scientific basis.