The framing of secessionism in the neo-liberal crisis : the Scottish and Catalan cases

This chapter introduces concepts and literature relevant to the concept of referendums and framing theories in social movement studies. It considers some key findings and implications on the role of framing theories for nationalist movements and the re-intensification of the territorial cleavage amidst the neoliberal crisis. Social movement studies have emphasized the relevance of framing processes for understanding mobilization dynamics. In social movement research, framing efforts refer to the signifying work or meaning construction engaged in by movement adherents and other actors relevant to the interests of movements and the challenges they mount in pursuit of those interests. The disruptive effects of the economic crisis have been more visible in Catalonia, making the issue of economic justice more central, especially as independentism frames spread within existing social movements that had mobilized against austerity measures. The socioeconomic frame in Catalonia has often been articulated in terms of institutional unfairness caused by the redistributive policies of the Spanish government.