The Power of Informal Leadership: Women Leaders in the Civil Rights Movement

Social movement research has focused on visible formal leadership and, consequently, male leadership. This body of research has also associated leadership predominantly with the movement organization. Little attention has been paid to women's informal leadership, the autonomy and influence of such leaders and movement leadership outside of organizations. This case study of the Cairo, Illinois civil rights movement illustrates the influence of informal women leaders outside of movement organizations, and, secondarily, the ability of leaders to construct new roles, adapting to lifecourse transitions. Hattie Kendrick's extraorganizational leadership motivated movement actors and facilitated movement actions, and epitomizes women's lifelong and dynamic leadership.