The Occupy Movement

All societies around the world have introduced laws and judicial systems in order to maintain order within its jurisdictions. These laws are meant to be impartial, neutral and objective in resolving social conflicts and protecting individuals in society (Little, 2012, p. 4). However, sometimes the purpose of law is questioned and the law itself is seen as unjust and in need of change. Throughout history, one can see how purposeful and organized groups have come together as a social movement to combat perceived injustices and advocate changes in society (Hagan, 2008, p.370). For example, Lundberg et al, define social movements as, “a voluntary association of people engaged in concerted efforts to change attitudes, behavior and social relationships …show more content…
Liberal pluralists argue that although humans compete with one another in society, the foundation of a just society rests upon its ability to provide equal opportunities for individuals to compete for power and privilege. As such, it is up to a society to “provide the rules of the game by which the competition is played out” (Comack, 2014, p.21). However the problem when applied to the Occupy movement is that the wealthy people are writing all the rules to this ‘game’. The top 1% is said to have their “hands in the pockets of government” and thus have an unfair advantage and freedom over the 99% (Little, 2012, p.11). Furthermore, this raises the question of whether justice is really as blind as liberal pluralists claim it to be. For instance, Comack states that for liberal pluralists, “. . . the fairness of the system derives from no one group being excluded from the exercise of power” (Comack, 2014, p.24). This claim undoubtedly contradicts the facts behind the Occupy movement and therefore is seen as something that the liberal pluralism approach is unable to account …show more content…
Each theoretical approach has its own basis to explain how such events occur, but nevertheless, both approaches assist one in better understanding this social movement. One thing I noticed that both approaches failed to mention is how to change the current relationship between law and society if needed. In my opinion, it is necessary to evaluate and update society’s laws and policies periodically in order to reflect the changing demographics of the country. For example, what may have applied perfectly a decade ago may not be the ideal way of living today and thus change is essential to a society. Furthermore, in a democratic society the law is a manmade tool created in order to regulate society by introducing concepts such as order, justice, fairness and equality (Green, 1998, p. 121). However, law is limited by the extent to which it accurately reflects the collective beliefs of its citizens. When laws are not endorsed by the general community, people will not follow the law and thus society would not be able to function effectively and would ultimately erupt in chaos (Hagan, 2008,