Fligstein and McAdam propose a general theory of strategic action fields (SAFs), which are meso-level social orders where actors interact based on shared understandings of purposes, relationships, rules, and frames. SAFs are socially constructed and involve actors with varying resource endowments competing for advantage. The theory emphasizes that SAFs are embedded in broader field environments and can experience stability or change due to exogenous shocks, field ruptures, and contention. The theory contrasts with traditional views of social movements and organizations, arguing that both are subsets of SAFs and that the fundamental phenomenon is collective strategic action. SAFs are composed of incumbents (dominant actors), challengers (less powerful actors), and governance units that maintain field rules. The dynamics of SAFs involve processes of emergence, stability, and change, with skilled actors playing a key role in shaping field structures. The theory suggests that fields can be unorganized or emerging, organized and stable but changing, or organized and unstable and open to transformation. Emerging fields often involve conflict and the creation of new cultural frames, while stable fields are characterized by established role structures and political coalitions. The theory also highlights the role of exogenous shocks in triggering contention, leading to episodes of contention where actors engage in innovative collective action. Settlements in fields can result from sustained oppositional mobilization or the reassertion of the status quo. The theory further argues that states play a significant role in shaping new social spaces and creating strategic fields, often through legislation or policy changes. The emergence of new fields is often influenced by existing fields and the creation of new opportunities. The theory emphasizes the importance of social skill in navigating and shaping strategic action, with skilled actors able to mobilize resources and build coalitions to influence field outcomes. Overall, the theory provides a framework for understanding the complex dynamics of strategic action in modern society.Fligstein and McAdam propose a general theory of strategic action fields (SAFs), which are meso-level social orders where actors interact based on shared understandings of purposes, relationships, rules, and frames. SAFs are socially constructed and involve actors with varying resource endowments competing for advantage. The theory emphasizes that SAFs are embedded in broader field environments and can experience stability or change due to exogenous shocks, field ruptures, and contention. The theory contrasts with traditional views of social movements and organizations, arguing that both are subsets of SAFs and that the fundamental phenomenon is collective strategic action. SAFs are composed of incumbents (dominant actors), challengers (less powerful actors), and governance units that maintain field rules. The dynamics of SAFs involve processes of emergence, stability, and change, with skilled actors playing a key role in shaping field structures. The theory suggests that fields can be unorganized or emerging, organized and stable but changing, or organized and unstable and open to transformation. Emerging fields often involve conflict and the creation of new cultural frames, while stable fields are characterized by established role structures and political coalitions. The theory also highlights the role of exogenous shocks in triggering contention, leading to episodes of contention where actors engage in innovative collective action. Settlements in fields can result from sustained oppositional mobilization or the reassertion of the status quo. The theory further argues that states play a significant role in shaping new social spaces and creating strategic fields, often through legislation or policy changes. The emergence of new fields is often influenced by existing fields and the creation of new opportunities. The theory emphasizes the importance of social skill in navigating and shaping strategic action, with skilled actors able to mobilize resources and build coalitions to influence field outcomes. Overall, the theory provides a framework for understanding the complex dynamics of strategic action in modern society.