Social Unrest

Definition

Social unrest is characterized by widespread dissatisfaction with current social or political institutions leading to protests, strikes, riots etc., often resulting in significant change.

Related terms

Civil Disobedience: This is a nonviolent form of protest in which people deliberately break certain laws to express their opposition.

Revolution: This is a fundamental and often sudden change in political power or organizational structures that takes place when the population revolts against the government.

Social Movements: These are organized efforts by large numbers of people to bring about or impede social, political, economic, or cultural change.