Social Movements Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a defining characteristic of a social movement?

It is primarily motivated by external pressures.

It always operates within a rigid organizational framework.

It springs largely from the attitudes and aspirations of members. (correct)

It focuses solely on economic advantages.

Which type of social movement aims to effect large-scale significant change within an existing society?

Reformative social movement (correct)

Reactionary movement

Revolutionary social movement

Alternative social movement

What stage of social movements involves the initial awareness of an issue?

Bureaucratization

Coalescence

Decline

Emergence (correct)

What do mobilizing structures facilitate in social movements?

Organization and collective action among individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT belong to the opportunity structures for social movements?

Social media engagement Signup and view all the answers

Which form of motivation includes a desire to belong to a group in social movements?

Sense of self-identity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of framing processes within social movements?

To craft and disseminate movement narratives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following movements fights against existing societal changes rather than advocating for new ones?

Reactionary movement Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of opportunity structures in social movements?

The presence of elite allies Signup and view all the answers

In what stage of social movements does an organization begin to formalize its structure?

Bureaucratization Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social movement seeks to bring about specific changes while keeping the existing social structure intact?

Reformative social movement Signup and view all the answers

What motivates individuals to participate in social movements aside from personal advantage?

Principled commitment Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of a social movement is characterized by the decline of activity and influence?

Decline Signup and view all the answers

What are mobilizing structures primarily concerned with in social movements?

Mechanisms that facilitate organizing and action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes framing processes in social movements?

Crafting narratives to justify claims Signup and view all the answers

Which emotion may influence an individual's decision to join a social movement?

Guilt over social injustice Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A social movement is a form of collective behavior where motivations stem largely from members' attitudes and aspirations, operating within a loose organizational structure.

Alternative: Limited goals, focused on specific changes in behavior
Redemptive: Aims for a fundamental change in individuals
Reformative: Seeks to achieve limited, targeted societal reforms
Revolutionary: Seeks comprehensive societal transformation
Reactionary: Aims to restore an earlier state or way of life

Motivation

Personal advantage
Principled commitment
Sense of self-identity
Desire to be a part of a group
Claims-making

Emergence: Initial stage, ideas emerge and grow.
Coalescence: Gathering momentum, individuals join together.
Bureaucratization: Formalization of structure and procedures becomes crucial.
Decline: Movement's goal is achieved or loses interest.

Formation of Movements

Mobilizing structures: Mechanisms for organization and collective action (social structures, tactics).
Opportunity structures: Environmental conditions that facilitate movement activity (political accessibility, presence of allies).
Framing processes: Strategic crafting and dissemination of messages and narratives to justify claims and actions.

Mobilizing Structures

Participation level
Contentious activity
Organizational issues

Opportunity Structures

Relative accessibility of the political system
Stability or fragmentation of elite alignments
Presence of elite allies
State's capacity and propensity for repression

Framing Processes

Ability to bypass mass media
Flexible dissemination strategies
New channels

Capacity to attract young, educated, and relatively affluent members.
Postmaterial orientation
Commitment to new forms of political activism.

Collective vs Connective Action

Digitalization
Individualized frames

Connective Action (Networks)

Loose organizational structure.
Organizations use social tech to support members.
Primarily based on shared values and experiences.

Collective Action (Brokered Networks)

Strong organizational coordination of action
Social technologies used by organizations to manage social movement participation, coordinate goals
Focus on collective action frames.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of social movements, including their types, motivations, and stages of development. This quiz covers concepts from the emergence of ideas to the decline of movements. Understand the various forms and structures that define social movements in society.