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The Diffusion of an Unsuccessful Innovation

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  • Sarah A. Soule

    (University of Arizona in Tucson)

Abstract

It is often assumed that only successful or effective innovations diffuse. This article examines the diffusion of an unsuccessful protest tactic used during the student divestment movement: the shantytown. Two factors led student activists to adopt it. The first factor was the media construction of the tactic as successful. The second factor was how this tactic fit with an existing student tactical repertoire and resonated with students' perceptions of South Africa. These factors led students to adopt it without attaining information about its effectiveness at actually forcing university divestment.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah A. Soule, 1999. "The Diffusion of an Unsuccessful Innovation," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 566(1), pages 120-131, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:566:y:1999:i:1:p:120-131
    DOI: 10.1177/000271629956600110
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ennett, S.T. & Tobler, N.S. & Ringwalt, C.L. & Flewelling, R.L., 1994. "How effective is drug abuse resistance education? A meta-analysis of project DARE outcome evaluations," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 84(9), pages 1394-1401.
    2. Sushil Bikhchandani & David Hirshleifer & Ivo Welch, 1998. "Learning from the Behavior of Others: Conformity, Fads, and Informational Cascades," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 12(3), pages 151-170, Summer.
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