Social movements explored in Ruth Milkman lecture

Staff and postgraduate research students across Cardiff University’s humanities Schools as well as those of the GW4 alliance gathered to hear Professor Milkman’s lecture titled, ‘A New Political Generation: Millennial-Led Social Movements in the 21st Century USA’.

Speaking at Glamorgan Building’s prestigious Council Chamber, Professor Milkman was introduced by School Research Director Professor Adam Hedgecoe.

The lecture explored Millennial-generation social movements such as Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter and was underpinned by Professor Milkman’s research of labour movements, both past and present in the United States, and her analysis of low-wage immigrant workers employment conditions as well as the dynamics of immigrant labour.

Professor Milkman also met with the team involved in the research project ‘Trade Union Membership, Associational Life and Wellbeing’ to talk over the aims and emerging findings of the research and took part in a discussion of the similarities and differences faced by workers and trade unions in South Wales and New York City.

Separately, Professor Milkman led a methodological workshop, Chaired by Director of International and Engagement Dr Sin Yi Cheung, where she presented case studies of organising campaigns in the US that require direct access to and cooperation from activities and advocates.

Dr Cheung said, “What a treat to be able to hear Ruth’s fascinating talk here in Cardiff University. Her insight in the Millennials being a new political generation will no doubt inspire plenty of further research on this very important topic.”

The keynote was Professor Milkman’s third keynote in Cardiff University, having previously delivered two keynotes on the themes of globalisation and labour.