8.1 Theoretical approaches to social movement emergence
5 min read•july 30, 2024
Social movements are complex phenomena shaped by various factors. Theories like Resource Mobilization, Political Process, and New Social Movement offer different lenses to understand their emergence and development.
Each theory has strengths and limitations in explaining movement dynamics. A comprehensive analysis often requires synthesizing multiple perspectives to capture the interplay of resources, opportunities, and cultural factors in movement formation.
Social Movement Theories
Resource Mobilization Theory
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Contemporary movements often exhibit a complex interplay of identity, culture, and politics
Require new theoretical frameworks that go beyond classical approaches
Examples: intersectionality, prefigurative politics, global justice networks
The Need for New Theoretical Frameworks
Understanding contemporary social movements requires attention to the unique historical, technological, and cultural contexts in which they emerge and evolve
Classical theories provide a foundation, but may not fully capture the complexity of contemporary activism
New theoretical frameworks should integrate insights from classical approaches while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities
Examples of new theoretical frameworks:
: highlights the role of digital media in enabling personalized, networked forms of activism
: examines the intersection of multiple systems of oppression and the formation of inclusive, solidarity-based movements
Key Terms to Review (20)
Advocacy: Advocacy is the act of supporting or promoting a particular cause, policy, or group, often with the intention of influencing decision-makers and public opinion. It encompasses a range of activities such as lobbying, public campaigns, and grassroots mobilization aimed at achieving specific objectives within political, social, or economic contexts.
Charles Tilly: Charles Tilly was a prominent sociologist and political scientist known for his extensive work on social movements, collective action, and the dynamics of political change. His ideas help explain how social movements emerge, develop, and impact public policy, emphasizing the importance of historical context and the interactions between individuals and institutions.
Collective Identity: Collective identity refers to the shared sense of belonging and common characteristics that define a group, often arising from shared experiences, values, and beliefs. This sense of identity plays a crucial role in mobilizing individuals for collective action, shaping the goals and strategies of social movements and interest groups.
Connective Action: Connective action refers to a form of collective mobilization that relies on the use of digital communication tools to foster participation and engagement among individuals. This approach emphasizes personal connections and shared identities, enabling participants to coordinate their efforts and express their grievances through social media and other online platforms, creating a sense of belonging and community. In this context, connective action represents a shift from traditional, organization-driven movements to more decentralized forms of activism.
Digital Activism: Digital activism refers to the use of digital tools and platforms, such as social media, websites, and online campaigns, to promote social or political change. This form of activism empowers individuals and groups to mobilize support, raise awareness, and organize actions on a global scale, often bypassing traditional forms of activism and reaching a wider audience instantly.
Environmental activism: Environmental activism is a social movement aimed at protecting the natural environment through various forms of advocacy, education, and action. This activism seeks to address issues like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, often promoting sustainable practices and influencing public policy. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from grassroots organizing to large-scale campaigns, and draws on theoretical frameworks to understand how such movements emerge and gain momentum.
Grassroots mobilization: Grassroots mobilization refers to the process of rallying and organizing individuals at the community level to advocate for a cause, influence public opinion, and effect change through collective action. This method empowers ordinary citizens by leveraging their local knowledge and networks, making it a vital tool for social movements and interest groups in shaping public policy.
Intersectional Activism: Intersectional activism is a form of advocacy that recognizes how various social identities—such as race, gender, sexuality, and class—intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege. This approach emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple forms of discrimination simultaneously, rather than treating social issues in isolation, thereby fostering a more inclusive and effective movement for social change.
Lgbtq+ rights: LGBTQ+ rights refer to the civil rights and social equality for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientations and gender identities. This movement seeks to challenge discrimination and promote acceptance, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals have the same legal protections and opportunities as their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is rooted in a broader struggle for human rights and social justice, making it a significant area of focus within various social movements.
Morris Rosenberg: Morris Rosenberg was a prominent sociologist known for his contributions to understanding the dynamics of social movements, particularly focusing on the psychological and cultural aspects that drive collective action. His work emphasized the importance of individual perceptions and motivations in the emergence of social movements, linking personal grievances to larger societal changes and activism.
Movement spillover: Movement spillover refers to the phenomenon where the momentum, tactics, or ideas from one social movement influence and energize other movements, leading to broader social or political changes. This concept highlights the interconnectedness of various social movements and how they can mutually support or inspire one another in their goals and strategies. Understanding movement spillover helps explain how activism can spread and gain traction across different issues and communities.
New social movement theory: New social movement theory refers to a framework for understanding the emergence and dynamics of social movements that focus on issues of identity, culture, and social justice rather than traditional political or economic concerns. This theory emphasizes the role of post-materialist values and the significance of collective identities in mobilizing individuals to participate in movements that advocate for change beyond mere economic interests. It highlights how these movements are shaped by cultural factors and the need for social transformation.
Policy Change: Policy change refers to the process through which existing policies are modified, replaced, or abolished to address emerging issues, adapt to new information, or respond to public demands. This change can occur as a result of advocacy by interest groups or social movements, reflecting shifts in societal values and political dynamics.
Political opportunity structure: Political opportunity structure refers to the various external factors that influence the likelihood of a social movement or interest group achieving its goals. This includes the political environment, institutional frameworks, and the receptiveness of political elites, which can either facilitate or constrain activism and mobilization efforts.
Political Process Theory: Political process theory is a framework that focuses on how political environments and structures influence the emergence, development, and success of social movements. It emphasizes the importance of political opportunity structures, the presence of grievances, and the resources available to groups seeking change, highlighting how these elements interact to shape collective action.
Repressive State Apparatus: The repressive state apparatus refers to the institutions and structures that a government uses to enforce order and maintain control over its citizens, often through coercive means such as law enforcement, the military, and penal systems. These apparatuses play a crucial role in social movements, as they can either suppress dissent and protest or, conversely, become targets of resistance from those advocating for change.
Resource mobilization theory: Resource mobilization theory is a framework that explains how social movements are able to gather and utilize resources such as money, labor, and organizational skills to achieve their goals. This theory emphasizes the importance of having the necessary resources to mobilize individuals and groups effectively, and it connects closely with the dynamics of interest groups and social movements in shaping public policy.
Social Change: Social change refers to the transformation of cultural, social, economic, or political structures over time, impacting the behaviors and relationships among individuals and groups in society. This concept is crucial for understanding how movements and interest groups mobilize to create new social norms, challenge existing power dynamics, and promote policy reform.
Social Movement Organization: A social movement organization is a structured group that works towards achieving specific goals associated with a social movement, often focusing on advocacy, mobilization, and resource allocation. These organizations play a crucial role in orchestrating collective action and fostering participation among individuals who share common interests or grievances. They often have defined leadership, established agendas, and strategies aimed at influencing public policy and societal change.
Structural Strain Perspective: The structural strain perspective is a sociological theory that explains social movements as a response to systemic tensions and disparities within a society. It suggests that when there is a significant gap between societal goals and the means available to achieve them, individuals and groups experience strain, leading to collective action and the formation of social movements. This perspective emphasizes the role of societal structures, such as economic, political, and social systems, in creating conditions ripe for mobilization.