Original scientific paper
From 15 Minutes of Silence To a General Strike – Student Movement in Serbia Through the Lens of Resource Mobilization Theory
Tamara Krešić
; Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
The paper analyzes the student movement in Serbia that emerged following the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in 2024, which resulted in 15 (later 16) fatalities. Using the resource mobilization theory (Edwards and McCarthy, 2004), this study explores how students successfully mobilized various resources (moral, cultural, human, material, and socio-organizational) trying to achieve their demands. The movement began with symbolic actions such as Serbia, stop and evolved into university blockades and an idea
of general strike. Using strategies such as self-production, patronage, aggregation and co-optation of resources, students compensated for the lack of institutional support and financial resources. This paper emphasizes how the movement managed to connect local demands with broader social issues, such as the fight against corruption and neoliberal policies, mobilizing wider public support. In conclusion, the student movement in Serbia exemplifies how movements can overcome structural obstacles and ensure it's long-term resilience with strategic resource mobilization.
Keywords
student blockades; student movement; social movement; general strike; resource mobilization theory; Serbia
Hrčak ID:
348264
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2025.
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