Towards a quasi-mobilization process? The popular platforms that govern inBiscay (1991-2017)

Abstract

From 1991 on, a phenomenon has been identified in Biscay: the emergence of «community independent platforms» and its growth in terms of representation. Therefore, the first goal is to define them after reconsidering the work of Gemma Ubasart in Catalonia, from which it has been possible the construction of a subcategory that distinguises «independent community platforms» from political parties, their «white brands», spin-offs and coalitions. The second objective is to characterise the mentioned phenomenon, motivating its (i)temporary, (ii) territorial and (iii) sample delimitation, while the context of the phenomenon is explained. The third goal develops a theoretical contribution: reversing the discussions about the institutionalization of social movements in order to suggest the quasi-movementation approach, which analizes the potential evolution from an initial partisan configuration towards a model similar to social movements. So as to achieve the objectives of the study, eight in-depth interviews to mayors have been carried out, and the results show the possibility of the quasi-movementation process.