Social movements
Overview
A social movement is a loosely organized but sustained campaign in support of a social goal, typically either the implementation or the prevention of a change in society's structure or values. Although social movements differ in size, they are all essentially collective. That is, they result from the more or less spontaneous coming together of people whose relationships are not defined by rules and procedures but who merely share a common outlook on society.
History and Development
The concept of social movements was first introduced in the 19th century, a time that saw great social and political changes. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels observed the role of social movements in the development and downfall of capitalist societies. They argued that social movements are the product of contradictions in the capitalist system and play a crucial role in highlighting these contradictions and pushing for change.
Types of Social Movements
Social movements can be categorized based on their goals, strategies, and level of organization. There are four main types of social movements: reform movements, revolutionary movements, redemptive movements, and alternative movements.
Reform Movements
Reform movements seek to change some aspects of society, but they do not advocate for a complete overhaul of the system. These movements aim to improve the system by changing specific policies or practices. Examples of reform movements include the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the Suffragette Movement in the United Kingdom.
Revolutionary Movements
Revolutionary movements, on the other hand, aim to completely change the entire social structure. These movements are often radical in nature and seek to replace the existing social, political, and economic system with a completely new one. The Russian Revolution and the Cuban Revolution are examples of revolutionary movements.
Redemptive Movements
Redemptive movements are focused on a specific group of people, but they seek radical change. These movements aim to provoke inner change or spiritual growth in individuals. Examples of redemptive movements include various religious or spiritual movements, such as the Hare Krishna movement.
Alternative Movements
Alternative movements are focused on self-improvement and the development of a better society through individual change. These movements often focus on specific behaviors or lifestyle choices, such as the vegan movement or the minimalist movement.
Theories of Social Movements
There are several theories that attempt to explain why social movements develop, how they function, and what impact they have on society. These include collective behavior theory, resource mobilization theory, political process theory, and new social movement theory.
Collective Behavior Theory
Collective behavior theory views social movements as the result of spontaneous collective actions due to social unrest. This theory emphasizes the importance of social change and stress as factors that lead to the development of social movements.
Resource Mobilization Theory
Resource mobilization theory, on the other hand, views social movements as rational and organized groups that strive to achieve their goals through the strategic use of resources. This theory emphasizes the importance of resources, organization, and strategy in the success of social movements.
Political Process Theory
Political process theory combines elements of both collective behavior theory and resource mobilization theory. It views social movements as the result of political opportunities, organizational readiness, and collective action frames. This theory emphasizes the importance of political context and strategic choices in the development and outcomes of social movements.
New Social Movement Theory
New social movement theory focuses on the role of culture and identity in shaping social movements. This theory argues that modern social movements are not just about economic or political issues, but also about issues of identity, autonomy, and human rights.
Impact of Social Movements
Social movements have played a significant role in shaping history and society. They have brought about significant social, political, and cultural changes. For example, the Civil Rights Movement led to significant advancements in racial equality in the United States, while the feminist movement has made significant strides in promoting gender equality worldwide.