Abstract:

This study examines the transformation of the May Movement in Curacao, Netherland Antilles, in the context of social movement theory.  Initiated by an economic strike, the movement became increasingly politicalized.  Its initial protopolitical phase was characterized by a violent outburst, then moved into a political strike.  The resulting labor solidarity led to the resignation of the government.  The movement eventuated in the formation of a new labor party which was successful in a subsequently called election.  The study suggests that internal conflict within the labor movement promoted, rather than hindered, political mobilization.  The structural setting, however, maintained the movement, in Smelser's terms, at a norm-oriented rather than in a value-oriented direction.

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