Performing disruption: How social movements gain legitimacy and challenge institutions - 03 Dec 2025

We organised a research seminar featuring Assistant Professor Julia Grimm from Stockholm University at the House of Innovation.

Start time: 2025-12-03 at 12:00

End time: 2025-12-03 at 13:30

Location: On-site at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Paper title and abstract

Performing disruption: How social movements gain legitimacy and challenge institutions

Abstract: This paper draws on an in-depth single case study to explore how social movements can successfully attract public attention and support to challenge established institutional norms. Through a longitudinal process analysis, we examine the pivotal role of dramatic enactments and strategic image management in securing media visibility, favorable public perception, and legitimacy in the public sphere—conditions necessary for institutional disruption. By tracing how a social movement responded to a legitimacy crisis following a contentious disruption event, our study reveals the inherent tensions between organizational growth and perceived worthiness.

About Julia Grimm

Julia Grimm is an Assistant Professor of Management, Organization, and Society at Stockholm Business School, Stockholm University. Drawing on qualitative research methods, Julia studies multi-stakeholder partnerships, transnational collaborative governance, and social movements, all in the context of global supply chains and social and environmental sustainability. Julia’s research takes a process perspective and is grounded in framing and paradox theory. Her research has been published in Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Supply Chain Management, Journal of Business Ethics and Business and Society amongst others.

House of Innovation Inequality Labor Entrepreneurship Social economics Strategy Lunch seminar Research seminar