social movements

Learning objectives

In this lesson, we will cover the following topics:

1. Definition of social movements
2. Types of social movements
3. Importance of social movements
4. Four stages of social movements

What is a social movement?

When a large number of individuals come together as a group to work toward a common political or social issue to either stop or bring a change in the structures, institutions and/or practices of a society, it is called Social Movements.

For example, the anti-tobacco movement that worked to outlaw smoking in public buildings, women suffrage movement to give women the right to vote, or LGBT rights movement.

According to Anthony Giddens, a renowned sociologist, there are four areas in which social movements operate in modern societies:

• Democratic movements that work for political rights
• Labor movements that work for the control of the workplace
• Ecological movements that are concerned with the environment
• Peace movements that work toward peace

Modern social movements in the west became possible through education and increased labor mobility as a result of industrialization and urbanization of the societies in the 19^th century. It is often argued that the freedom of expression, education as well as relative economic independence in the modern western culture are responsible for the various contemporary social movements. Many of the social movements that took place in the last 100 years grew up, like the Mau Mau in Kenya, to oppose Western colonialism.

Modern movements often make use of technology and the internet in order to mobilize people globally. Adapting to the trends in communication is a common theme among movements that are successful.

It is argued by the sociologist Charles Tilly that there are 3 main elements to a social movement;

• Campaigns. This refers to a sustained and organized public effort making collective claims of target authorities.
• Repertoire. Employment of combinations from the following forms of political action: the creation of special-purpose coalitions and associations, solemn processions, public meetings, rallies, vigils, petition drives, pamphleteering and many more.
• WUNC displays. Concerted public representation of worthiness, unity, numbers and commitments of participants on the part of themselves or their constituencies.

 

Types of social movements

On the basis of two things – what is the movement trying to change and how much change they are advocating, Cultural anthropologist David F. Aberle outlined four different types of social movement

1. Alternative movement seeks a partial change in an individual’s behavior. For example, efforts to promote recycling as a habit among people or trying to make people stop drinking and driving.
2. Redemptive movement seeks a total change in an individual’s life. It typically includes religious movements.  Another example is the rehabilitation of addicts.
3. Reformative movement seeks partial change in social systems. It occurs at a broader level. For example, women’s suffrage movement for women to gain the right to vote.
4. Transformative movement seeks total change in social systems. For example, the French revolution. Revolutions, typically, fall in this category.

Social movements can also be classified on the basis of different things like scope and the type of change;

Scope

• Reform movement. This refers to movements that advocate for changing some laws or norms. An example of such a movement would be a trade union championing for the increase of workers’ rights.
• Radical movement. These are movements that are dedicated to changing the value systems in a fundamental way. An example of this would be a Civil Rights movement demanding for equality and full civil rights.

Type of change

• Innovation movement. These are movements that wish to introduce or change certain norms or values.
• Conservative movement. These are movements that wish to preserve existing values and norms.

Targets

• Group-focus movements. These are focused on affecting societies or groups in general. For example, advocating for the change of the political system.
• Individual-focused movements. These are focused on affecting individuals. A big number of religious movements fall under this category.

Methods of work

• Peaceful movements. Movements that use non-violent means of protest.
• Violent movements. Movements that result to violence.

Old and new

• Old movements. Movements that have been in existence for centuries.
• New movements. Movements that became dominant from the second half of the 20^th century.

Range

• Global movements. Movements with global goals and objectives.
• Local movements. Movements that are focused on regional or local objectives.

 

Four Stages of Social Movements

1. Emergence – People become aware of the issue and leaders emerge.
2. Coalescence – People join together and organize in order to publicize the issue and raise awareness.
3. Bureaucratization – Movement no longer requires grassroots volunteerism. It is an established organization typically with a paid staff.
4. Decline – People fall away either because the movement achieved its objective or people no longer take the issue seriously.

 

Why are social movements important?

Social movements play a crucial role in society. It is an important tool to let people express their concerns about the welfare, rights, and wellbeing. Collective action and public protest are the mechanisms in which people engage to get heard.

Social movements play an important role in bringing social change in political, educational, health, government, legislation, religious and other institutional norms. They help to raise awareness and mobilize masses to achieve a common goal.