Political dynamics

Once people with grievances have formed a group and reached some consensus about a problem, they may launch into some sort of action. Taking action ushers the group into the public spotlight, and may stir up contention from those threatened by the social changes. Defenders of the status quo, if they have the power, may try to control and suppress the protest group. The opposition of competing interests sets in motion the dynamics of politics. This type of social control from the state and elites sets the conditions for protest movement response.

Dominant elites, such as state officials, top politicians, and business leaders, may have various means of social control available to them (Oberschall, 1978; Marx & Wood, 1975). Often, in less democratic societies, they use the military or police to coerce movements into silence. Business owners may withdraw necessary material goods, such as pay from labor movements. At the same time, elites may attempt to use softer means of social control, such as a barrage of public statements or indoctrination through the educational curriculum (Lukes, 1986; Broadbent, 1983; Pharr, 1990).

In post-war years, the Japanese state has favored soft means of social control. Japanese elites, some argue, exercise control over movements by cutting them off from broader public support - by isolation, marginalization, and containment. In one tactic, elites try to “bait” movements into committing radical acts that will alienate the public (Pharr, 1990, p. 166–167).