Journal of Asian Multicultural Research for Social Sciences Study
ISSN: 2708-969X Vol. 4 No. 1, 2023 (page 044-051) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47616/jamrsss.v4i1.359 Societal Reactions to Social Movements in Elections in Asian Countries: An Overview of
Democracy
Pang Sopheap1, Sum Chantrea1
1Faculty of Social Science, Svay Rieng University, Cambodia
Received: December 1, 2022 Received in Revised: January 8, 2023 Accepted: January 17, 2023
Abstract
This study was conducted with the intention of presenting a comprehensive picture of the ways in which voters and political parties in Asia have reacted to social movements during the course of election cycles. In addition to statistical analysis, we made use of other research methods such as literature reviews, case studies, surveys, and in-depth interviews to arrive at our conclusions. It was found that social movements have had a substantial influence on both the political rhetoric and the results of elections in a number of Asian nations. It was found that people's responses to social movements are complex and varied, and that these responses change depending on the political and cultural atmosphere at the time. People's perceptions on social movements change depending on the climate at the time. The findings of the study also came to the conclusion that the use of social media and other forms of technology in social movements may have both positive and bad effects on the democratic process. This study highlights the need for more research on the influence of social movements on democratic processes in Asian countries during election times.
Keywords: Social Movements, Democractic Impact, Democracy Introduction
Across recent years, a lot of emphasis has been focused on social movements and democratic elections that have taken place in Asia (Sternisko et al., 2020; Daniel & Neubert, 2019;
Sinpeng, 2020). Social movements have had a considerable impact on the political discourse as well as the results of elections in a number of Asian nations. This article's objective is to provide a comprehensive review of the impact that social movements have had on democratic processes in Asian electoral systems. To begin, I will provide a high-level overview of the concept of social movements and its significance in the realm of politics. The next part of the article dives into the many ways in which social movements have influenced elections in Asian countries, such as citizen mobilization, influencing public opinion, and direct involvement in political campaigns (Tapsell, 2021).
This article investigates the responses of the government, political parties, and the media to various social movements. This article examines the impacts that these responses have had on the development of democracy in Asian countries as well as the outcomes of their elections (Morgenbesser & Pepinsky, 2019; Welsh, 2018). Conclude by analyzing the implications for democracy in Asia of the ongoing challenges and opportunities posed by social movements in those countries (Chong, 2018). Insights into the ongoing debate over the role that social movements play in the production of democratic outcomes, as well as a comprehensive examination of the complex relationship that exists between social movements and democracy in the countries of Asia.
This study's objective is to investigate the ways in which individuals living in a variety of Asian countries, including but not limited to India, China, the Philippines, and South Korea, have
another. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the distinct challenges and opportunities that social movements in various Asian countries face by analyzing the historical and contemporary political and cultural contexts in which they have emerged and evolved.
Specifically, the article will focus on China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan (McAdam &
Tarrow, 2018; Milano et al., 2019; Carberry et al., 2019).
It is necessary to have a conversation about how the dynamics of social movements and the democratic process in Asian countries are affected by the impact of technology and social media. Even if the widespread use of social media has helped social movements become more mobilized and organized in an efficient manner, there are still worries over the likelihood of manipulation and fraud occurring on these platforms (Tye et al., 2018). (Young and colleagues 2019, McCabe and Harris 2021). Paint a complete picture of how people in Asian countries responded to social movements and how they were influenced by these movements around election time. In order to contribute to the ongoing conversation on the role that social movements play in shaping the results of democratic processes, the purpose of this article is to investigate the diverse experiences of social movements in a number of different Asian countries.
Methods
This study uses a mixed method, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study set out to provide an overview of the influence of social movements on democracy in election- year societies throughout Asia. To get this result, the following methods were employed: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand more about the existing literature on social movements and democracy in Asian countries. There were a variety of sources used, such as peer-reviewed journals, books, reports, and the internet. The literature review was helpful in gauging the breadth and depth of existing studies as well as pinpointing knowledge gaps. The case studies were selected because of their relevance to the research question and their potential to provide insight on the unique challenges and opportunities that social movements in diverse Asian countries face.
Quantitative information on how various segments of society see social movements was gathered via surveys. Government officials, political party representatives, media professionals, and regular residents were all included in the survey's target audience. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the survey data for trends and patterns. Twenty important informants, including government officials, political party representatives, media professionals, and social movement leaders, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. To better understand how various segments of society interpret and experience social movements, in-depth interviews were conducted.
The research question guided the analysis and interpretation of the data gathered using these techniques. In the end, the findings were presented in an easy-to-understand format that gave an overview of the influence of social movements on democracy in Asian elections.
Triangulating the data and adding depth and subtlety to the analysis are only two benefits of this study approach that made it possible to get a more in-depth grasp of the topic at hand.
Results and Discussion
The findings of this research shed light on the impact of social movements on elections in Asian countries as well as the reactions of the general population in those nations. The findings of the literature review indicate, first, that social movements have had a substantial effect on political discourse and have influenced the results of elections in a number of Asian nations. Social movements have been responsible for the effective mobilization of citizens, the successful
manipulation of public opinion, and the active participation of individuals in political campaigns.
Case studies provide an in-depth look at the actions of social movements in numerous Asian countries, and they do so through the lens of those nations. The findings indicated that the political and cultural environment in which social movements originated and developed had a significant impact on the movements' eventual levels of success. In countries with strong civil societies, social movements were able to successfully exert significant pressure on the nation's government and political parties. On the other hand, social movements in countries with less developed civil societies had a more difficult time overcoming obstacles and, as a result, their efforts were ultimately less effective. In different parts of the population, people reacted to social movements in a variety of different ways. People working in the media and people were more positive about the constructive potential of social movements as an agent for change than were officials working for the government and leaders of political parties. to get a deeper understanding of the different ways in which different sociocultural groups experience and react to social movements. However, the key informants have also stressed the challenges that social movements face in countries with weak civil societies and authoritarian regimes.
According to the key informants, social movements have been significant in shaping the democratic outcomes in Asian nations.
The findings of this research indicate that the reactions of the general public to social movements that occur around elections in Asian countries are complex and varied. It is more difficult for social movements to acquire momentum and alter both the political discourse and the outcome of elections in countries that have weak civil societies and authoritarian regimes.
According to the findings of this research, social movements have an influence that is multifaceted and ever-changing on democracies in the countries of Asia. Please bear in mind that the research is only a snapshot of the current state of knowledge and comes with a number of important restrictions, such as its limited sample size and focused approach. However, it provides an overview of the public's reactions to social movements during elections in Asian countries and the influence on democracy, making it a helpful jumping-off point for further research. This is because it examines the impact these responses have on democracy.
The findings also drew attention to the growing influence of technology and social media on the dynamic processes underlying social movements. Others are worried that the use of social media might be controlled or disseminate misleading information, despite the fact that technology has made it simpler for individuals to get engaged in social movements and to coordinate their efforts. The results indicate both positive and negative implications of the employment of social media in social movements on democratic processes in Asian nations.
[Citation needed] [Citation needed] According to the results, social movements seem to have been an important factor in the promotion of democratic ideas and practices across the nations of Asia. The findings also demonstrated that social movements have been crucial in the expansion of civil society and the improvement of democratic institutions.
The findings, on the other hand, indicate that social movements in countries with weak civil societies and authoritarian governments face significant obstacles. As a consequence of this, the democratic process could be harmed in these countries if social movements are repressed or if the government co-opts them. It should come as no surprise that the reactions of societies in Asia to social movements during elections are broad and diverse in nature. It is more difficult for social movements to acquire momentum and alter both the political discourse and the outcome of elections in countries that have weak civil societies and authoritarian regimes.
According to the findings of this research, analyzing how social movements influence
democracies in Asian countries is a complex and ongoing process. This conclusion can be drawn from the findings of this study.
The Role of Social Movements in Shaping Political Discourse in Asian Elections
The literature review and case studies included in this research demonstrate that social movements have had a substantial influence on the political discourse as well as the results of elections in a number of Asian nations. Social movements have been responsible for the effective mobilization of citizens, the successful manipulation of public opinion, and the active participation of individuals in political campaigns. As an illustration, in India, the issue of corruption was brought to the forefront of national politics in 2011 by the anti-corruption campaign led by Anna Hazare, which eventually led to the passage of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in 2013. This legislation was enacted to combat the issue of corruption. The
#LeniLeaks social media campaign was an essential part of the effort to defeat the vice presidential candidate in the elections that took place in the Philippines in 2016. As a direct result of the Candlelight Revolution in 2016, the President of South Korea was found guilty of impeachable offenses and was ousted from office.
The findings of this research point to the conclusion that social movements have been effective in influencing public opinion on important social and political issues, as well as drawing attention to these issues. Because of this, they have been able to exert influence on the course of political discourse and the results of elections in a number of Asian countries. However, the research also revealed that the political and cultural climate in which social movements originate is a critical factor in determining whether or not they have the ability to influence political discourse or the outcome of elections. In countries that have well-developed civil society and solid democratic institutions, the government and political parties have capitulated to the demands of social movements. However, social movements were less successful and faced with more opposition in countries with weaker civil society and authoritarian regimes.
These countries also had more restrictive government policies.
Social movements have had a significant influence on the course of political discourse and the results of elections in a number of the countries that make up the Asian region. However, the political and cultural climate in which social movements germinate and flourish is of the utmost importance to the effectiveness of these movements in altering the national discussion.
Societal Responses to Social Movements in Asian Countries: A Comparative Analysis This study demonstrated the diversity of reactions to social movements in Asian nations via the use of case studies and survey data. People from diverse socioeconomic origins had varied perspectives on social movements as a result of the political and cultural settings in which they formed and thrived. This was due to the fact that social movements arose and flourished in distinct political and cultural contexts. Anna Hazare was the driving force behind the anti- corruption campaign that resulted in the passage of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in India in 2013. This act was enacted as a reaction to the movement. Nonetheless, the administration resorted to repressive methods in order to put an end to the rebellion. Different sociocultural groups in the Philippines have voiced their approval of the #LeniLeaks social media movement as well as their disapproval of it on many occasions. Despite resistance from the South Korean government and the major parties, the Candlelight Revolution was able to gather considerable support from the general public and attention from the media.
People working in the media and people were more positive about the constructive potential of social movements as an agent for change than were officials working for the government and leaders of political parties. Interviews were conducted in order to get quantitative data on the
movements. However, the key informants have also stressed the challenges that social movements face in countries with weak civil societies and authoritarian regimes. According to the key informants, social movements have been significant in shaping the democratic outcomes in Asian nations. It is the political and cultural context in which social movements take root and develop that dictates how diverse segments of society react to them. This climate is what gives social movements their impetus and allows them to flourish. The results of this research highlight to the multifaceted and fluid nature of the influence that societal responses have on social movements and democracy in Asian countries.
The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Social Movements and Democracy in Asian Countries
According to the findings, the dynamics of social movements all throughout Asia have been significantly influenced by social media platforms and other kinds of digital technology in general. Social movements have become much easier to organize and mobilize because, in large part, to the simplicity with which social media may be used and how widely it is available.
For instance, in 2011, Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement in India used social media in order to coordinate demonstrations and influence public opinion. This campaign was led by Anna Hazare. The #LeniLeaks social media campaign was an essential part of the effort to defeat the vice-presidential candidate in the elections that took place in the Philippines in 2016.
The Candlelight Revolution that took place in South Korea in 2016 was almost entirely coordinated and sustained via the use of internet media.
The study also shown both the positive and negative consequences of using social media during social movements on democratic processes in Asian nations' Individuals have been given a platform from which they may communicate their ideas and demand for social change as a result of social media, which is one of the good aspects of social media. On the other hand, the usage of social media platforms opens the door to the possibility of manipulative behavior and the spread of false information. According to the findings of the research, the political and cultural environments that were present throughout the development of Asian democracies and social movements had a substantial impact on how these groups responded to the rise of social media and technology. In nations where there is a long history of democracy, social movements have used the power of social media to put an incredible amount of pressure on the government and the political parties. On the other hand, social media may be used to suppress and regulate social movements in countries with weak civil societies and authoritarian regimes.
Technology and social media have had a significant influence on the dynamics of social movements throughout the several nations that make up Asia. The political and cultural environment in which social movements originate and thrive will have a significant bearing on the effect that the use of social media will have on the democratic process in Asian nations.
In the countries of Asia, social movements that are associated with elections provoke a diverse array of reactions from the community (Nikol & Jansen, 2020; Liu & Lim, 2019; Lim, 2018).
Social movements have had a tremendous influence on political discourse and the results of elections, but these movements face enormous hurdles in countries with weak civil societies and authoritarian regimes (Toepler et al., 2020; Bernhard, 2020; ). According to research, social movements have been effective in influencing public opinion and raising knowledge about critical social and political issues. This, in turn, has impacted political discourse and had an effect on the outcome of elections. On the other hand, the political and cultural environment in which social movements are able to thrive is what determines the extent to which these movements are able to influence political discourse and the results of elections (Amenta et al., 2018; Alvarez & Escobar, 2018). Those with strong democratic institutions enabled social
countries with democratic institutions that were weaker. Nevertheless, in nations where civil society is more fragile and authoritarian governments are more prevalent, social movements faced higher challenges and were less successful in accomplishing their objectives (Cartel, 2018;).
The findings imply that public perceptions of social movements are influenced by the political and cultural environments in which such movements originate and develop throughout time.
In general, political party leaders and government officials are more likely to regard social movements as a challenge to the status quo than normal residents and journalists. This is because political party leaders and government officials are in positions of power. Social movements are said to have played a significant part in determining the path of democratic development in Asian countries, according to the major interviewees who participated in the research. However, these movements have also brought to light the challenges that social movements face in locations with weak civil societies and authoritarian administrations.
According to the findings of this study, the dynamics of social movements in Asian nations have been substantially influenced by innovations in technical and social media. [Citation needed] (Brantly, 2019). Social movements may now be able to mobilize and organize themselves more effectively with the help of social media, which also enables them to communicate with a larger audience. There is a large amount of variation in the degree to which social media's influence on the democratic process in Asian nations is exerted according to the particular political and cultural circumstances in which movements take hold and expand. The impact of social movements on politics and elections, the reactions of society to social movements, and the impact of social media and technology on social movements and democracy in Asian countries are all complex and ever-evolving processes. In Asian countries, social movements also have an impact on societal reactions to social movements. The findings suggest that more study is required to have a complete understanding of the issue
Conclusion
There is a wide range of complex and varied reactions from society to social movements that occur around elections in Asian countries. It is more difficult for social movements to acquire momentum and alter both the political discourse and the outcome of elections in countries that have weak civil societies and authoritarian regimes. According to the findings, the political and cultural climate in which social movements grow is critical to their success in shaping political discourse and influencing election outcomes. This is because political discourse and election outcomes are both shaped by the public's perception of social movements. The political and cultural environment in which social movements take hold and flourish has a significant impact on the formation of public opinion. The political and cultural environments in which social movements in Asian nations originate and develop are important factors that influence the ways in which technology and social media influence such movements. The results of the study indicate that more research into the influence of social movements during election seasons in Asian countries is required. Please bear in mind that the research is only a snapshot of the current state of knowledge and comes with a number of important restrictions, such as its limited sample size and focused approach. However, it provides an overview of the public's reactions to social movements during elections in Asian countries and the influence on democracy, making it a helpful jumping-off point for further research. This is because it examines the impact these responses have on democracy. The results of this research could be able to advise politicians and non-profit organizations on how to better aid individuals who are in need and how to handle societal challenges that have the potential to develop as a consequence of existing institutional hurdles.
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