Occupy Wall Street (OWS) was a social movement that began in 2011 with the objective of protesting economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of corporate money in the US political system. The movement was specifically aimed at challenging the power of ‘big money’ over economic and political issues. The movement saw visits from thousands of protesters in public areas, such as Zuccotti Park in New York City, and saw extensive media coverage both as an organized protest and a cultural conversation. OWS has generated much debate and discussion around how people and governments can respond to corporate power and the need for greater democratization of the financial and political systems.

See also: occupy movement, general assembly, decision making, direct democracy, social justice