New Social Movements in the Era of Neoliberal Globalisation: A Case Study of Plachimada Water Struggle in Kerala

Abstract

This article aims to locate the water struggle at Plachimada, in Kerala, in the broad framework of new social movements in the era of neoliberal globalisation. New social movement and neoliberal globalisation are twins. However, both of them have a contested relationship ever since their existence. One of the reasons for this unique relationship is the conflicting interests of both phenomena. Therefore, understanding the nature of these two phenomena is equally important as grasping anti-neoliberal globalisation movements across the world. This article examines the concepts and contested relationship between new social movements and neoliberal globalisation. Further, it studies the significance of the water struggle at Plachimada as a new social movement resisting neoliberal globalisation.