Social movement theory

Definition

Social movement theory is a framework that examines how social movements develop, mobilize, and achieve change within society. This theory looks at the factors that contribute to the emergence of collective action, including the role of political opportunities, resource mobilization, and social networks. It connects with various historical and contemporary movements that aim to address issues like labor rights and political freedoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social movement theory gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s during significant social changes, such as civil rights movements and anti-war protests.
2. Labor movements are often analyzed through social movement theory as they illustrate how workers collectively organize to fight for better working conditions and rights.
3. The Arab Spring exemplified social movement theory by showing how citizens mobilized through social media and grassroots organizing to demand political change in various countries.
4. Key concepts within social movement theory include framing, which refers to how movements communicate their goals and messages to attract support.
5. The success or failure of a social movement can often be linked to the alignment of its goals with broader societal values and the responsiveness of political systems.

Review Questions

• How does social movement theory help us understand the dynamics of labor movements?
  • Social movement theory provides a lens to analyze labor movements by focusing on how workers unite to address shared grievances. It emphasizes factors such as resource mobilization, where unions and worker groups gather support in terms of funds, manpower, and solidarity. Additionally, political opportunity structures play a crucial role, as favorable political conditions can enhance the chances for labor movements to succeed in advocating for rights and reforms.
• In what ways did the Arab Spring demonstrate key principles of social movement theory?
  • The Arab Spring showcased key principles of social movement theory through the mobilization of diverse groups utilizing social media for coordination and communication. This movement capitalized on existing political opportunity structures that had become more favorable due to widespread dissatisfaction with authoritarian regimes. Additionally, the ability to frame issues such as democracy and human rights effectively attracted local and international support for protestors demanding change.
• Evaluate the impact of resource mobilization on the success or failure of specific social movements throughout history.
  • Resource mobilization is critical in determining the success or failure of social movements, as it affects their organizational capacity and sustainability. For instance, successful labor movements often have strong financial backing and access to networks that can provide logistical support. Conversely, movements that struggle with resource mobilization may face difficulties in maintaining momentum or achieving their objectives. Evaluating various case studies illustrates how effective resource use can lead to transformative societal changes, while lack of resources can hinder progress.

Related terms

Collective action: The action taken by a group of people to achieve a common objective, often seen as a precursor to organized social movements.

Resource mobilization: A concept in social movement theory that emphasizes the importance of resources—such as money, time, and skills—in the ability of movements to organize and sustain their activities.

Political opportunity structure: The external factors that affect the likelihood of success for social movements, including the openness of political institutions and the level of repression or support from the state.