Consciousness raising

Consciousness raising or CR was a form of political action typically associated with the American Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) movement, and later with feminism internationally.

Related Topics:
Students for a Democratic Society - Feminism

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The SDS found itself in an overwhelmingly anti-radical society, where many of its members adhered to radical politics, but did not understand them intimately. While political and ideological study groups were effective, they were seen to replicate the politics and organisational style of the Old Left. The SDS, which led the American New Left felt a strong organisational need for a new educational structure.

Related Topics:
Old Left - New Left

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The answer was the use of consciousness raising groups. Within a CR group individuals discuss their own lives first, particularly in non-political ways. The group then develops a set of politics out of the immediate discussion at hand. This technique can be an incredibly powerful way to develop politics from non-political beginnings. It can, however, also be a way to destroy individual personalities, particularly ones with stand out from the crowd.

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Compare with co-research as used by the Italian Autonomist marxists.

Related Topics:
Co-research - Autonomist marxists

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