kids encyclopedia robot

Doug McAdam facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Doug McAdam 01
Doug McAdam

Doug McAdam is a well-known professor of Sociology at Stanford University. He was born on August 31, 1951. Professor McAdam studies how and why social movements happen. He is especially known for his work on the "political process model." This model helps us understand how groups of people work together to bring about change.

Understanding Social Movements

Doug McAdam has spent his career studying social movements. These are large groups of people who try to change society. They often work for things like equal rights or environmental protection. Professor McAdam looks at how these movements start and grow. He also studies what makes them successful or not.

The Political Process Model Explained

One of Professor McAdam's big ideas is the political process model. He wrote about this in his 1982 book, Political Process and the Development of the Black Insurgency 1930-1970. This model suggests that social movements need a few things to succeed. They need to have a chance to act, like when political leaders are open to change. They also need strong organizations and shared beliefs among their members.

Studying the U.S. Civil Rights Movement

Professor McAdam used his political process model to study the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. This movement fought for equal rights for African Americans from the 1950s to the 1970s. His research helped explain how the movement gained strength and achieved its goals. He showed how people organized and used political opportunities to make a difference.

Important Books by Doug McAdam

Professor McAdam has written several important books. These books share his research and ideas with others. They help students and other researchers understand social change.

Freedom Summer and Its Impact

One of his famous books is Freedom Summer, published in 1988. This book tells the story of the 1964 Freedom Summer project. During this time, many students went to Mississippi to help African Americans register to vote. The book won the C. Wright Mills Award in 1990. This award recognizes excellent books about social issues.

Other Key Publications

Professor McAdam has also written other books. These include Deeply Divided: Racial Politics and Social Movements in Postwar America (2014) with Karina Kloos. He also co-authored Dynamics of Contention (2001) with Sidney Tarrow and Charles Tilly. These books explore how different groups fight for their rights and how societies change over time.

Leadership and Recognition

Doug McAdam has also held important leadership roles. From 2001 to 2005, he directed the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. This center helps researchers from different fields work together. In 2003, he was chosen to be part of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This is a group that honors leading thinkers and scholars.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Doug McAdam para niños

kids search engine
Doug McAdam Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.