American Engaged Buddhism and new social movement theory

In this thesis, I document the existence of the American Engaged Buddhist (AEB) social movement by describing its history, organizations, and actions. Then, I utilize AEB's example to address unresolved debates within NSM theory, including wherein newness is to be found, whether NSMs are reactive and/or progressive, the non-economic basis of group solidarity, and the emphasis on cultural rather than political change. I place considerable focus on the creation and maintenance of the bodhisattva identity and the cohesiveness of the sangha (religious community). Through a qualitative case study, I find that the movement is organized around religious beliefs rather than the economic or structural class of the participants. AEB participants present as culturally motivated and show both progressive and reactive collective behavior. The basis of the movement's solidarity, plus its technologically savvy forms of communications and global networking, lend it a distinct air of newness apart from traditional social movements.