New Social Movements in Urban Space (Illustrated by the Exampl e of Kraków )

Abstract

Abstract: The text attempts to determine what conditions must be met (including several theoretical approaches) by the forms of activity of residents occurring in the urban area for defining them a “social movement” or “new social movement”. Based on the findings, there were separated several new social movements currently existing in Kraków, by using the criterion of presence in the media (which can be today regarded as a necessary condition for the existence of a movement), and subjected to a comparative analysis, applying, i.a. the typology of M. Castells. As a result of the comparison, there were described similarities and differences between these movements, but the most important conclusion is that despite the existence of various social movements, the level of activity of residents undertaken for reasons other than defending their private interests, remains low.