The article examines recent forms of activism whose collective designation has been employed by academic studies, giving rise to a new research field. Based on bibliographic reviews, document analysis and fieldwork in several countries, the article summarizes the emergency process of these initiatives and proposes a conceptual delimitation that differentiates them from social movements. Next, it deals with some innovative traits of the collectives, with emphasis on overcoming common cleavages in previous social movements, such as those between material and immaterial demands, individuality and collectivity, private life and public commitment, among others. The article concludes that collectives constitute an innovative response to the current scenario of capitalism, configuring a new pattern of activism and social mobilization.
Activism; Autonomy; Collectives; Globalization; Social movements