Catalyzing Resistance: Critical Consciousness Development in Anti-Oppressive Social Movement Organizations

Social workers increasingly recognize social movements as vital partners in challenging systemic oppression, yet little research examines how critical consciousness—awareness of and motivation to transform oppressive systems—develops within these spaces. This study investigated the conditions that foster critical consciousness and challenge internalized oppressive beliefs in anti-oppressive social movement organizations, specifically within the Atlanta Democratic Socialists of America's Northwest Georgia Branch. By examining how marginalized communities develop systemic critique and collective agency, this research connects social work scholarship with transformative grassroots practice. Employing Naeem et al.'s (2023) systematic thematic analysis framework, this study analyzed in-depth interviews with ten diverse members of the organization, representing various racial backgrounds, gender identities, and lengths of involvement. The study developed "Individual Consciousness Pathways" (ICPs) to trace participants' unique journeys toward critical consciousness while identifying common themes across experiences. This methodological innovation bridged idiographic and nomothetic approaches to understanding consciousness development. Seven key themes emerged: (1) Catalytic experiences creating cognitive dissonance between lived realities and dominant narratives; (2) Supportive environments facilitating collective processing of contradictions; (3) Approaches for challenging internalized capitalism and individualism; (4) Relational organizing practices embodying critical pedagogy principles; (5) Identity integration connecting personal experience to systemic analysis; (6) Concrete pathways translating awareness into action; and (7) Organizational barriers impeding critical consciousness development. The findings reveal critical consciousness emerges through catalytic experiences that disrupt internalized beliefs, develops within supportive spaces allowing collective meaning-making, and sustains itself through relational organizing practices connecting personal experiences to broader social analysis. This research directly addresses the conference theme by demonstrating how social work knowledge can align with community organizing practice to achieve transformative change. Findings offer evidence-based strategies for social workers to develop critical consciousness among marginalized communities, create more effective anti-oppressive organizations, and build transformative coalition-based movements. By illuminating the conditions that foster critical consciousness, this study provides concrete tools for social workers to develop the leadership capacity needed to challenge entrenched systems of oppression and create substantive social change. The research also underscores the importance of aligning organizational practices with stated values to maintain member engagement and build sustainable movements for justice.