From the Street to the Shops: The Rise of New Forms of Political Action in Italy

This article argues that substantial changes have occurred in citizen political participation modes and in particular in unconventional repertoire of action. Beside forms such as public meetings, demonstration marches, strikes and certain other forms of protest, over the past few years, even in countries where there was not this tradition, citizens have started to use their shopping-bag power with the attempt to influence institutional or market practices. The article aims to shade some light on political consumerism in Italy.