The emergence of social movements can be considered a significant factor in regard to the successful implementation of neoliberal economic policy, such as privatization. The role of grievances has...Show moreThe emergence of social movements can be considered a significant factor in regard to the successful implementation of neoliberal economic policy, such as privatization. The role of grievances has been overlooked in the explanatory framework of how these movements emerge, which applies to the context of framing theory in particular. Therefore, this paper explores to what extent grievances caused by framing processes play a role in the emergence of social movements against neoliberal policies, such as privatization. The paper utilizes the case of the Cochabamba Water Wars, a conflict surrounding water privatization in Bolivia, to investigate to what extent grievances caused by frames contribute to the formation of the social movement, eventually causing the privatization’s reversal. The paper argues that the framing of Cochabamba’s water privatization as a threat to common cultural heritage, as well as a continuation of lacking political opportunities caused meaningful grievances that contributed significantly to the emergence of social mobilization. The paper demonstrates how social and cultural context affects the interpretation of neoliberal economic policies, especially privatization policies, and their acceptance. Therefore, the findings of the paper could be utilized by government officials to construct more efficient resource management policies, especially in the context of domestic water management.Show less
