2022-10-11 12:17:39

"People Do Have Power": Frances Fox Piven at 90 on Movements & Preserving Democratic Rights

As the United States heads into another recession and labor organizing is surging, we speak with leading sociologist and longtime social movement scholar Frances Fox Piven as she turns 90 years old. "We're at another juncture: a bitter contest about democratic rights," says Piven, who claims the U.S. has always been a "limited democracy." Despite attacks on fundamental rights, Piven says, "people do have power" to organize and protect their rights, because "we live in a complex, integrated society where the activities of ordinary people really do matter." Piven's groundbreaking books include "Regulating the Poor" and "Poor People's Movements: Why They Succeed, How They Fail" with her late husband and collaborator Richard Cloward.

Democracy Now! produces a daily, global, independent news hour hosted by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. Our reporting includes breaking daily news headlines and in-depth interviews with people on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues. 

On DN!, you’ll hear a diversity of voices speaking for themselves, providing a unique and sometimes provocative perspective on global events.

Missed an episode?  Check out DN on FSTV VOD anytime or visit the show page for the latest clips.

#FreeSpeechTV is one of the last standing national, independent news networks committed to advancing progressive social change. 

#FSTV is available on Dish, DirectTV, AppleTV, Roku, Sling, and online at freespeech.org.

 

Democracy Now! Frances Fox Piven Richard Cloward.

Politics

Gay USA

Trump’s AIDS Cuts: Millions Expected to Die Worldwide! | Gay USA 4/23/2025

Trump’s AIDS Cuts: Millions Expected to Die Worldwide! | Gay USA 4/23/2025

Democracy Now!

Is the Free Press Next? Trump's War on Truth and the Media | Democracy Now!

Is the Free Press Next? Trump's War on Truth and the Media | Democracy Now!

FSTV Speaks

One Struggle, One Fight, All Workers Unite! | FSTV Speaks

One Struggle, One Fight, All Workers Unite! | FSTV Speaks

This Week In White Supremacy- Presented by 1HoodMedia

Always A Man | This Week In White Supremacy

Always A Man | This Week In White Supremacy

Related

Democracy Now!

Jewish & Palestinian Students Unite at Columbia to Demand Answers on ICE Arrest | Democracy Now!

Jewish & Palestinian Students Unite at Columbia to Demand Answers on ICE Arrest | Democracy Now!

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! | Federal Workers Fight Back!

Democracy Now! | Federal Workers Fight Back!

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! | USAID Shutdown? Elon Musk Claims Trump Agreed to Dismantle Agency

Democracy Now! | USAID Shutdown? Elon Musk Claims Trump Agreed to Dismantle Agency

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! | Voices for Peace: Israelis and Palestinians Unite

Democracy Now! | Voices for Peace: Israelis and Palestinians Unite

Proud Partners