Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Susan E. Baer

Abstract

Social movements have increased as a way of supporting groups in their protests. This study addressed what factors led to the mobilization of the Green March movement in its fight against political corruption and impunity in the Dominican Republic. The purpose of this case study was to explore the Green March movement's actions by using Meyer's conceptualization of political opportunity theory. The research questions addressed what factors led to the mobilization of the Green March movement and what strategies and tactics were used. The research design was a qualitative, instrumental case study and data were collected through interviews with 12 members of the Green March movement. These data were transcribed, inductively coded, and then subjected to Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis procedure. Findings of the study supported the undergoing political opportunities by the Green March movement within the political structure of the Dominican government. There were 3 key themes that emerged from this study indicating the conditions for mobilizations to happen such as tolerance by the government, powerful methods to communicate grievances and concerns, and the lack of a repressive governmental system. Finally, the findings help explain political openness and the curvilinear relationship between political corruption and mobilizations of the Green March movement. If political reforms are achieved because of the movement, the country's political system may transform from treating politics as a business to treating politics as a social service to promote the common good. Therefore, this study's findings can lead to positive social change by providing more information on the Green March movement and what makes it successful for the Dominican people.

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