The hottest Social movements Substack posts right now

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The week of the NZ Midwifery petition, the Aussie court case Tickle v Giggle, and the UK Cass Review.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. A new petition in New Zealand is pushing for an investigation into midwifery practices, signaling a shift in how politicians view discussions on gender issues.
  2. An Australian court case is determining if someone who identifies as a woman should be allowed access to a women-only app, raising important questions about gender identity rights.
  3. The UK Cass Review found that puberty blockers were being used too liberally, sparking a call for more careful discussions about their use and the impact of gender ideology in healthcare.

UNLOCKED🔓— The U.S. Government (Probably) Killed MLK

JoeWrote • 83 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Social movements
  1. Legal findings and eyewitness anomalies suggest a government-linked conspiracy to kill Martin Luther King Jr., including Lloyd Jowers’ admission, the King family’s civil verdict, surveillance at the scene, and unresolved questions about James Earl Ray.
  2. MLK’s more radical critiques of economic inequality, imperialism, and socialism have been deliberately whitewashed by the state and mainstream institutions to create a safer, establishment-friendly image.
  3. A broader pattern of domestic repression—COINTELPRO, the assassination of Fred Hampton, doubts around Malcolm X’s killing, and documented use of informants and criminal cutouts—shows agencies were willing to surveil, discredit, and sometimes eliminate dissidents, making a clandestine plot against King plausible.

Feminists: tell me what you believe?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. Feminism means different things to different people. It's important for individuals to share their personal definitions and beliefs about feminism.
  2. Supporting equal rights for women doesn't necessarily mean someone identifies as a feminist. Some believe those rights can be supported without using the term 'feminism.'
  3. There's a chance that arguments over feminism arise from misunderstandings of the term. People might think they disagree when their definitions are just different.

Commentator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. There's a growing divide within the Democratic Party between liberals and progressives, especially around the Israel/Palestine conflict. This split is becoming more visible as protests on campuses reflect differing worldviews.
  2. Protests are showing strong anti-Israel sentiments and are affecting US politics. These movements could add unexpected pressure on the current administration, similar to how unrest shaped past elections.
  3. Internationally, the situation in the Sahel is worsening as countries there are turning away from US partnerships and looking to Russia for support. This reflects a larger shift in global power dynamics.

Harmonic Resistance

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Political beliefs are rooted in deep biological and moral frameworks, so conservatives and liberals often process information differently and facts alone usually won’t change minds.
  2. Social media and modern tech amplify fear and outrage, fueling tribalism and identity-protective reasoning that makes people cling to group narratives instead of evidence.
  3. Nonviolent collective tactics—like mass singing, strikes, and broad noncooperation—can undermine authoritarian power by making repression unsustainable and withdrawing the pillars that keep regimes functioning.
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February 1, 2026

Letters from an American • 35 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Julia Ward Howe’s "Battle Hymn of the Republic" framed the Civil War as a moral crusade and became tied to the movement that led to the Thirteenth Amendment ending slavery.
  2. February 1 is a recurring date of civil-rights significance: the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins helped spark desegregation, and the day was later chosen to mark the start of Black History Month.
  3. The past resonates with the present as recent removal of slavery exhibits and federal crackdowns have provoked protests that reuse historic chants and songs, highlighting an ongoing struggle over national memory and who is protected by the state.

The Autoworkers Want Their Union Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 561 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has seen a drop in membership, now having about 400,000 members compared to 1.5 million in 1979. Many traditional autoworkers are feeling disconnected from the union.
  2. The UAW has shifted focus to include a wider variety of workers, like white-collar jobs, which has created a divide between long-time autoworkers and newer members who support different political views.
  3. Under current UAW president Shawn Fain, there's growing tension between traditional blue-collar workers and newer members, as their priorities and political leanings differ.

An uncivil civil war

Wood From Eden • 2016 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
đź’ľ History Social movements
  1. Civil wars often have deep political or ideological divides. In Finland's case, it was the working class versus the upper class, which led to a very intense conflict over power.
  2. The formation of armed groups was crucial in the lead-up to the Finnish Civil War. Both the workers and the upper class created their own forces, which escalated tensions.
  3. Post-war, Finland struggled with the aftermath of the violence but eventually unified. A process of reflection and an amnesty helped rebuild society despite longstanding divisions.

Taking Power Amidst the Turbulence (w/ Dylan Saba) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 93 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  1. The Gaza genocide exposes the limits of the post‑World War II, U.S.‑led rules‑based order and signals a weakening of American hegemony, producing a more chaotic and unstable global balance. This erosion of norms increases geopolitical instability even if U.S. military power remains significant.
  2. Effective resistance can come from targeting strategic chokepoints—ports, supply chains, and critical infrastructure—and from building cross-border solidarity, since smaller or marginalized actors can inflict outsized impacts when they act strategically. Examples like actions at ports and Yemen’s strikes show how leverage at circulation points can matter more than conventional military power.
  3. Democracies are consolidating authoritarian measures to suppress dissent while the left has been weakened by electoral cooptation; to push back requires rebuilding militant, long‑term movements and broad solidarity networks outside reliance on party elites. Sustained grassroots organizing, labor coordination, and community institutions are necessary to pressure power and defend civil liberties.

Activism Hasn’t Been Effective for Decades. What Happened?

American Dreaming • 709 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Many recent activist movements haven't achieved their goals and sometimes made things worse. Efforts like anti-Iraq War protests and climate actions have failed to bring about real change.
  2. The internet and social media have changed how activism works, making it harder to focus and causing more negativity. Instead of real actions, people often engage in quick online support without real commitment.
  3. Modern activism can be more about personal identity and less about effective change. Many activists lack clear goals and organization, which makes it tough to accomplish anything substantial.

January 18, 2026

Letters from an American • 46 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Social movements
  1. Heroism isn't about being perfect or doing something spectacular; it's ordinary, flawed people choosing to put others before themselves, often quietly and at great personal cost.
  2. History shows this in many forms—leaders taking responsibility, people hiding to save others, signing risky declarations, defending others' rights, or refusing to give up a seat—and none of them set out to be heroes.
  3. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work for racial and economic justice, including standing with striking sanitation workers despite knowing he was in danger, shows that heroes still live among us and keep working for a better world even when the outcome is uncertain.

Both Sides, Now.

Trying to Understand the World • 4 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  1. A militant form of “anti‑fascism” now targets people instead of promoting broad, humanist goals, treating opponents as un‑persons and sometimes using violence.
  2. That shift grew from decades of negative, performative politics and theory that turn abstractions into enemies, narrow what can be discussed, and help justify harassment or worse.
  3. The political effect is fragmentation and shrinking debate that weakens mainstream left movements, normalizes conflict, and risks empowering the Right while leaving society and security forces ill‑prepared.

I Am a Small Part of the Reason Why the Transgender Rights Movement Went Flying off the Rails

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. Public support for transgender rights — especially allowing people to use bathrooms that match their gender — has dropped sharply in recent years, showing a clear backlash.
  2. Messaging and tone from media and activists matter a lot; mockery, threats, or poorly judged rhetoric can age badly and push people away.
  3. Small choices in how the movement is presented can have big, lasting effects, so honest reflection and a course correction are needed to rebuild support.

How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

The Truth Fairy • 1074 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. An executive order was signed to stop the federal support for child sex transition treatments, which many see as harmful. This change aims to protect vulnerable youth from potentially life-altering medical procedures.
  2. There was a widespread belief that medical science should be trusted without question, leading some parents to allow their children to transition. Many of these parents were just trying to do what they thought was best for their kids.
  3. The debate around gender identity treatments has involved many professionals and institutions, but it often lacked robust scientific evidence. This has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of these treatments for young people.

Race to the Cluster Bottom

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Chris Rufo highlights the rise of extreme behaviors and attitudes in society, like narcissism and hysteria. These traits are becoming more common and accepted.
  2. A school district in Vermont is implementing policies that allow boys to access girls' bathrooms and sports, aiming for inclusivity through gender affirmation.
  3. There is a resurgence of pandemic-like behaviors and attitudes, which some refer to as 'Covidianism'. Discussions around this topic are becoming more intense and critical.

"But..hey..aren't protests meant to be disruptive?"

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 179 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Protests are meant to create change, but they shouldn't disrupt everyone's access to shared spaces. It's important for everyone to have a voice without excluding others.
  2. While it's okay for protests to be loud and visible, rules exist to keep order and respect for all students. Breaking rules can lead to consequences that could silence future protests.
  3. Universities need to support students' right to protest, but they also have a duty to maintain fairness and order for everyone on campus. Finding a balance is key.

Gramsci and Lenin on transcending “parliamentarianism” and on direct democracy

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 256 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Gramsci and Lenin believed that traditional representative democracy often serves the interests of the wealthy rather than the people. They argued for replacing it with a system of direct democracy, where people can take part in decision-making directly through councils.
  2. Both thinkers emphasized the importance of 'workers' councils' as a way to organize not just politics, but also the economy. They thought that workers should manage and run companies instead of just having a boss from outside.
  3. When institutions of democracy break down and people lose faith in elections, alternatives like council democracy can emerge. Although this system isn't perfect and has its risks, it could offer new ways for communities to govern themselves.

To be young, perchance to dream

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 951 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
đź’ľ History Social movements
  1. The historical view of the assassination in Sarajevo changed over time depending on political climates. Initially, it was seen as justified but later viewed negatively as political perspectives shifted.
  2. The Young Bosnia movement was driven by a mix of national unity desires and social injustices. Many members came from impoverished backgrounds and sought change, inspired by various revolutionary ideas.
  3. Literature and poetry significantly influenced the Young Bosnia activists. They saw themselves as heroes and believed in dramatic actions because they felt the political system was against them.

MAHA

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. RFK Jr. raised valid questions about the medical system and vaccines. It's important to scrutinize vaccines and the reasons behind certain medical practices.
  2. The agricultural system is heavily influenced by government regulations and subsidies. To foster innovation, we need to reduce government control over farming.
  3. Allowing farmers more freedom to manage their land can lead to better practices and more creativity in food production. Letting the market decide which methods work best could benefit everyone.

Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkey

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 928 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Identity politics can be used to create fear and control within groups. This can lead to people feeling pressured to conform to certain beliefs.
  2. Groups often engage in public shaming or 'struggle sessions' to enforce conformity. This method makes individuals afraid to speak out or be different.
  3. Understanding these tactics can help individuals navigate social pressures better. Knowing how fear works in group dynamics can be empowering.

How it went down on the day - the 'Voices for Children' rally in Welly.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The 'Voices for Children' rally focused on concerns about gender ideology affecting kids. Many speakers argued that promoting certain ideas about gender to children is harmful.
  2. Despite some protesters, the rally was well-organized and brought together a variety of people concerned about children's welfare. There was a strong sense of unity among attendees.
  3. The event received positive feedback for the management by police and security. It gave a feeling of safety compared to previous events where tensions escalated.

The last four years were the most repressive of my lifetime

Unsafe Science • 907 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Over the last few years, many people have felt pressured to censor themselves due to fear of backlash from others. This fear often came from their peers, rather than any single leader or group.
  2. The culture of intolerance has created an environment where speaking out against popular opinions can lead to serious personal and professional consequences, making many people afraid to express their true thoughts.
  3. This situation has led to what some term a 'spiral of silence,' where the majority of people feel they can't speak up because they believe they are alone in their views, even when they actually share those views with many others.

How to Support Myth Pilot

Myth Pilot • 609 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. The writer is opening paid subscriptions for their newsletter to support their work.
  2. The content provided by the writer is currently free for everyone, but subscriptions are a way to support further creations.
  3. The writer's work includes fiction, cultural analysis, and proposals, aiming to delve into myths, theories, and actions for social understanding and change.

Why the New York Jewish Left’s Little Magazine "Dissent" Still Has Much Unfinished Business

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Dissent magazine is important for holding power accountable and promoting progressive change. It's not just about opposing ideas; it's about helping to create workable policies for society.
  2. The idea of 'passing the baton' means that those who are more experienced should support newer, more left-leaning voices in politics. It's about cooperation rather than just stepping back.
  3. In today's political climate, a strong magazine like Dissent is needed to fight against authoritarianism and ensure that diverse viewpoints are heard. It's crucial for meaningful change to keep discussions alive.

2025 is the year of the ex-husband's revenge

Men Yell at Me • 710 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Women are finding freedom and happiness after divorce, pushing back against traditional expectations. Despite struggles, there's growth and resilience among them.
  2. There is a growing divide in political views between divorced men and women, which reflects deeper societal anxieties. This divide is influencing political landscapes and responses to women's progress.
  3. It's important not to see women's independence as the cause of male anger. Instead, we should focus on supporting women's freedom without feeling the need to appease men's grievances.

World-building IRL

box. • 839 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. Building real-life communities matters because our actions can influence the world around us. It's important to focus creativity on improving our everyday lives.
  2. Great people are often right where you are; don’t just look for them somewhere else. Investing in your current community can lead to amazing connections.
  3. It's crucial to keep the energy positive and focus on the experiences of those who show up. This creates an inviting space that encourages others to join in next time.

Trans Day of Invincibility

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. A tragic incident occurred where a person identified as transgender committed a violent act, leading to a discussion about media portrayal of transgender individuals as victims.
  2. There were protests against a speaker advocating for women's rights, highlighting tensions around free speech related to gender issues.
  3. There are concerns about the growing influence of extreme views within the transgender movement and the support it gets from media and government.

An interesting thing happened at the 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Welly .....

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Wellington was created for those who want to support women’s issues but may not feel comfortable speaking out. It aimed to provide a space for solidarity.
  2. Despite weather challenges, about 150 people showed up for the rally, which was a positive turnout compared to past events that faced violence.
  3. There was a notable incident where a man claimed to be a woman during the rally. This highlighted ongoing tensions between gender critical women and trans rights groups.

Will you explain anarchism to me?

The Novelleist • 781 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
đź“– Philosophy Social movements
  1. Anarchism is about creating a society without centralized power or authority. It acknowledges that people might still try to gain power, but the goal is to build a culture that resists such authority.
  2. There are questions about how to protect communities striving for anarchy while facing external threats. People are thinking about ways to create temporary spaces of freedom and coordinate efforts across different regions.
  3. For anarchism to flourish, there needs to be a shared global sentiment among people. It’s essential to imagine what an anarchist society could look like, as this vision can help guide the movement.

Good politics means that people go to brunch

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Good politics should allow people to enjoy their lives, like going out to brunch with friends. It's important for people to have meaningful connections and share good moments.
  2. Some people criticize others for enjoying life, thinking protests are better. However, wanting to improve society should include making life enjoyable for everyone.
  3. If you want to change things effectively, it's important to be knowledgeable and serious about policies and history. This understanding helps create real change instead of just complaining.

Weird people doing good things

Samstack • 1768 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. Effective Altruists do some weird things, like considering options like eliminating predators or flipping a coin with huge consequences.
  2. Effective Altruism is about using evidence to do the most good possible, even if some of the ideas seem strange or unconventional.
  3. Being weird is an integral part of doing good - the unconventional practices of Effective Altruists contribute to their impact.

Marc Andreessen on His Intellectual Journey

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 533 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. In 2016, major political events made many people, including Marc, rethink how they understand both the left and right sides of politics. It showed that the way people behave in politics can change in surprising ways.
  2. There's a debate about whether people's actions are driven more by their ideas or by their interests. Sometimes people's emotions take charge, and they move in a certain direction, which then influences the ideas that follow.
  3. We need a new understanding of what it means to be part of an elite class. New leaders should focus on results and unite people instead of dividing them along political lines.

subverting the dominating paradigm

bad cattitude • 226 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Many modern movements aim to disrupt stable, successful structures in society. This is often done to create chaos and uncertainty.
  2. One strategy used by some groups is to undermine trust and belief in traditional values, making it easier for them to gain control.
  3. Standing strong in one's beliefs, having resilience, and seeking freedom are important to combat these negative influences.

The Enigma of Luigi Mangione

The Ruffian • 528 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Luigi Mangione, the man who committed a murder in a protest against healthcare, was from a wealthy background and had no history of being wronged by the system. His actions don't fit the narrative of fighting for the oppressed.
  2. Despite being celebrated by some leftist circles, Mangione was more of a liberal centrist with interests that aligned with rational thought and skepticism, which contrasts sharply with his violent act.
  3. The public's reaction to Mangione's actions shows a troubling acceptance of political violence. This could encourage more similar actions, leading to a dangerous cycle of justifying violence in political discourse.

Over 250 Photos From Around the Nation and the World From the Historic “No Kings Day” Protests

Proof • 203 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The 'No Kings Day' protests saw massive participation from people around the world, highlighting a strong global sentiment against Donald Trump.
  2. In contrast to the crowded protests, Trump's birthday celebration was poorly attended and described as lackluster and disappointing.
  3. Despite some instances of far-right violence, the overall atmosphere of the protests remained peaceful, showing unity among anti-Trump protesters.

✊🏽 People Power

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 9 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Rules made by an administration are fragile — a new president can reverse them quickly, so memos and internal policies don't guarantee long-term protections.
  2. Lasting civil rights protections require legislation, court victories, or state-level laws; relying solely on executive policy is insufficient.
  3. Mass public action — big protests, strikes, and sustained organizing — is what makes protections durable, because movements, not memos, lock in change.

Writing Prompt: What movement does the world need right now?

The Novelleist • 412 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. We are facing a time of change and uncertainty, and we have opportunities to shape the future. It's a chance to creatively think about what the world needs right now.
  2. Writing is important, but taking action is also necessary. We should focus on building movements that align with the changes we want to see.
  3. There are many areas to explore for creating change, like politics, economics, or philosophy. We should brainstorm actionable ideas to make those changes happen.

Links to Consider, 10/26/2024

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Noah Smith emphasizes that police are important for public safety and crime reduction. However, he believes there are still ways to improve police practices.
  2. Greg Lukianoff notes that campus deplatforming is at an all-time high, with many attempts to silence differing opinions. It's a worrying trend for free speech.
  3. Aswath Damodaran questions whether breaking up big tech companies is beneficial, suggesting that it may hurt innovation and favor legal professionals instead.

What Everyone Really Wants to Hear

OK Doomer • 121 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. People often say they want their beliefs challenged, but when faced with hard truths, they usually react defensively. It's easier for them to cling to their own ideas than to accept a different perspective.
  2. Many individuals prioritize preserving their self-image over being open to new ideas. This tendency influences their choices in news and politics, often leading to repeated mistakes.
  3. Understanding what people want to hear is complex because it can change day by day. Effective communication means balancing honesty with the need to resonate with people's current feelings and beliefs.