Social Movement Theory and Activist Ideologies

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does social movement theory investigate regarding activist groups?

The historical development of social movements.

The formal and informal organization of activist groups. (correct)

The demographic trends of activist group members.

The financial strategies employed by activist groups.

What is meant by framing processes in the context of activist groups?

The way activist groups interpret events to mobilize support. (correct)

The legal frameworks supporting activist movements.

The communication styles used in activist group meetings.

The methods by which groups raise funds for their activities.

Which type of social movement aims for partial change in societal behavior?

Transformative

Reformative (correct)

Redemptive

Alternative

Corporate responsibility-based activism primarily focuses on what?

Improving firm practices regarding social and ethical issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of transformative social movements?

They are revolutionary and aim for radical change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent a line of inquiry within social movement theory?

Funding sources of social movements. Signup and view all the answers

What type of social movement is exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alternative Signup and view all the answers

What is one focus of the research by Preuss et al. (2022)?

Social movements closing institutional voids Signup and view all the answers

Which publication discusses the concept of 'woke washing' in brand activism?

Journal of Public Policy & Marketing Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the groups studied by Sutherland et al. (2013) regarding anti-leadership?

They operate as autonomous grassroots groups. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social movement organizations is explored by Yaziji and Doh (2013)?

The role of ideological radicalism and resource homogeneity Signup and view all the answers

Which topic will be covered in the next session after the quiz on social movements?

Informal economy and precarity Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of environmental NGOs in the 'Create' theme?

Coach businesses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the 'Disrupt' theme of environmental NGOs?

Conduct educational campaigns Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes anti-leadership movements like the Occupy movement?

Decisions made through consensus building Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of transnational advocacy networks (TANs)?

Collaborate internationally to influence power holders Signup and view all the answers

What is a role of national advocacy networks (NANs)?

To provide technical know-how to local groups Signup and view all the answers

How can the boomerang model benefit social movements?

By facilitating local grassroots efforts through international influence Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a component of the resources theme for environmental NGOs?

Engage in lobbying Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the role of advocacy networks in grassroots movements?

They provide grassroots information and strategic support Signup and view all the answers

What does the boomerang model imply about domestic activists in repressive environments?

They often seek support from transnational advocacy networks (TANs). Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes brand activism?

An emerging tactic for brands seeking to differentiate themselves by engaging with social issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for inauthentic brand activism that misaligns with a brand's values?

Woke washing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following topics would not typically be associated with brand activism?

High fashion trends. Signup and view all the answers

How should brand activism align with a company's operations?

It should align with corporate practices that support employee and stakeholder welfare. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges do civil society actors face in countries with significant domestic repression?

Lack of political resources to influence local policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor that can enhance the authenticity of brand activism?

Alignment of activism with the company's core practices and values. Signup and view all the answers

Why might consumers scrutinize brands participating in activism?

They are increasingly aware of the potential inauthenticity behind brand motives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main message of Nike's ad titled 'For Once, Don’t Do It'?

Advocate for active participation in addressing racism. Signup and view all the answers

Which famous Nike slogan was inversed in the 'For Once, Don’t Do It' ad?

Just Do It Signup and view all the answers

What social issue was Nike's ad primarily addressing?

Racial justice and anti-police brutality. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach did Nike aim to shape through their advertisement?

Hope and empowerment against social challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential aim of companies engaging in brand activism?

To appeal to socially conscious consumers. Signup and view all the answers

How did Nike's ad aim to influence its audience's mindset?

By fostering a sense of urgency for change. Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did the ad intend to provoke among consumers?

Active participation in fighting racial injustice. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes brand activism in the context of Nike's ad?

A commitment to addressing significant societal issues. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Activist Group Ideologies

Activist groups may hold varying ideologies, encompassing beliefs and attitudes regarding social and political issues.
These ideologies guide the group's choices and behavior, impacting their activism.
Ideologies can evolve over time, reflecting changing social and political contexts.

Social movement theory investigates the dynamics of collective action and social change.
Three lines of inquiry within social movement theory are:
- Mobilizing strategies: How activist groups organize and engage in collective action, including their organizational structures and tactics.
- Framing processes: How activist groups interpret events and conditions to mobilize supporters and gain support.
- Political opportunity structures: How activist groups identify focal points, allocate resources, and adapt to changing opportunities.

Alternative: Aim for partial change in individual and societal behavior, like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Redemptive: Focus on changing individual behavior, often associated with religious movements.
Reformative: Seek partial societal change, exemplified by environmental and women's rights movements.
Transformative: Advocate for radical social change, often associated with revolutionary movements.

Social movement theory has been applied to understand corporate responsibility-based activism.
CR activism involves the mobilization of activist groups to improve corporate practices concerning social, environmental, or ethical issues.

Themes in Environmental NGO Work

Create: Convene, share best practices, coach businesses, certify, and leverage existing legal structures.
Disrupt: Litigate, lobby, educate, campaign, and protest.
Resources: Conduct research, train, secure resources for others, and engage in next-generation development.
Amplify: Highlight the work of others.
Align: Coordinate among environmental NGOs.

Anti-Leadership Movements

Horizontal, leaderless organizations have gained prominence, as seen in movements like the Arab Spring and Occupy movement.
These movements challenge the traditional hierarchical structure of social action.
Organizations with radically democratic, participative structures often prioritize consensus-building.

Advocacy Networks

Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs): International networks of actors collaborating on specific issues, leveraging information and symbolic resources to influence power holders.
National Advocacy Networks (NANs): National networks of activists, NGOs, community organizations, research institutions, and independent media groups engaged in nationwide advocacy.
Boomerang Model: Local organizations seek support from TANs when facing domestic repression or lacking resources to influence policy changes.

Brand Activism

Brand activism involves companies taking public stances on social and political issues.
It aims to differentiate brands in a fragmented marketplace and appeal to consumers.
The motive of brand activism is often scrutinized, and authenticity is critical.
"Woke washing" refers to inauthentic brand activism where actions don't align with a brand's values and practices.
Brand activism involves alignment with corporate practices, tangible changes within the organization, and support for stakeholders.

Case Study: Nike's "For Once, Don't Do It" Campaign

In 2020, Nike released a video campaign encouraging individuals to take a stand against racism.
The ad used a reverse of their slogan "Just Do It," urging people not to be silent about social injustice.
Nike highlighted the issue of anti-police brutality and social justice, aiming to inspire change and engagement.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the diverse ideologies of activist groups and the principles of social movement theory. This quiz covers mobilizing strategies, framing processes, and political opportunity structures that shape activism. Discover how these aspects contribute to social change and the evolution of movements.