Coactivism

Coactivism is a political strategy that combines activism with the use of legal and political means to achieve social change. It is often employed by progressive movements to challenge and reform systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice. The term was popularized by the Black Lives Matter movement, which used coactivism to push for police reform and accountability.

Coactivism involves a range of tactics, including:

1. Direct action: Engaging in nonviolent protests, sit-ins, and other forms of public demonstration to raise awareness and pressure authorities.

2. Legal challenges: Filing lawsuits and using the courts to challenge policies and practices that violate constitutional rights.

3. Policy advocacy: Working with legislators and policymakers to draft and pass laws that address systemic issues.

4. Community organizing: Building grassroots support and mobilizing communities to demand change.

The goal of coactivism is to create a multi-faceted approach that combines the power of collective action with the leverage of legal and political systems. By doing so, coactivists aim to achieve more significant and lasting change than would be possible through activism alone.

Coactivism has been used in various contexts, including environmental justice, labor rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. It has also been criticized for potentially diluting the message of social justice movements by incorporating legal and political strategies. Nonetheless, coactivism remains an influential strategy in contemporary progressive politics.