Analysis of the social movement and mobilization dynamics of Quebec education academics opposed to Bill 23 in 2023

Analysis of the social movement and mobilization dynamics of Quebec education academics opposed to Bill 23 in 2023

• Jean Bernatchez, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada

• Olivier Lemieux, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada

doi : https://dx.doi.org/10.18162/fp.2024.897

Résumé

Despite an unprecedented mobilization of Quebec education academics against Bill 23, it was adopted in December 2023. The Minister of Education’s intention is to introduce greater efficiency for student success. Why are academics mobilizing? What strategies are they using? Our article answers both these questions. Our theoretical approach is inspired by the sociology of social movements. Our method is based on documentary analysis and opportunity-based participant observation. Our analysis shows that most academics in the educational sciences are against the bill, and that their mobilization is attributable to ideological factors of resistance to the proposed change.

Abstract

Despite an unprecedented mobilization of Quebec education academics against Bill 23, it was adopted in December 2023. The Minister of Education’s intention is to introduce greater efficiency for student success. Why are academics mobilizing? What strategies are they using? Our article answers both these questions. Our theoretical approach is inspired by the sociology of social movements. Our method is based on documentary analysis and opportunity-based participant observation. Our analysis shows that most academics in the educational sciences are against the bill, and that their mobilization is attributable to ideological factors of resistance to the proposed change.