Solving Problems by Fighting for an Interest

Abstract

This chapter shows how fighting for an interest works as a strategy of collective problem-solving. It describes what that strategy sounds and feels like, and the central dilemma it produces for participants. The chapter also looks closely at everyday tests: points at which participants in a community of interest are faced with challenges and potential alternatives to their usual style of action. The activists' responses to these tests show concretely what kinds of decisions, arguments, and avoidances perpetuate a community of interest. A community of interest is not intrinsically more strategic or effective than other forms of collective problem-solving. The Housing Justice (HJ) and Inquilinos del Sur de Los Angeles / Tenants of South Los Angeles (ISLA) coalitions both experienced victories and disappointments. When it was time to end the field research, ISLA participants had won more of what they said they wanted than did the more conventionally strategic-sounding HJ coalition.