The Fist of the Working Class: The Social Movements of Jiu Valley Miners in Post-Socialist Romania

Abstract

This article analyzes one of the most virulent protests witnessed by post-socialist societies: the social movements of the Jiu Valley miners in Romania. I argue that the key to comprehending the Jiu Valley miners’ extraordinary mobilization can be found in the density of their social networks, which, under a particular political opportunity structure, became a crucial resource for social movement organizations. Dense social networks and a favorable political opportunity created organizational resources that were utilized by movement entrepreneurs to build a unique participant identity. Having abundant organizational resources, influential allies, and sharing a special collective identity rooted in a tradition of militancy, Jiu Valley miners could achieve a high degree of mobilization, use noninstitutionalized confrontational tactics, and be victorious.