Understanding Social Movements

Social movements are organized, intentional efforts by ordinary people to bring about societal change using methods outside of established institutions, like elections or government.

Social movements aim to change aspects of society, such as social, political, or economic structures, through collective action.

Social movements often emerge from dissatisfaction with existing power structures, inequality, or injustice.

Social movements employ tactics like public demonstrations, rallies, petitions, and lobbying to gain public attention and influence decision-makers.

Social movements can challenge norms, introduce new ideas, and push for social change by presenting alternative perspectives.

Social movements are distinct from revolutionary movements, which aim to overthrow the government entirely. Social movements work within existing political structures to achieve their goals.

Social movements often involve informal networks and groups with shared interests. This can include people from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of motivations.

Social movements can be a source of innovation in values and political beliefs, as they challenge existing norms and offer alternative ways of understanding society.

A collective effort by individuals who share a common goal, organized often spontaneously and with the goal of influencing social change.

Repeated actions that emphasize shared identity, unity, and commitment within a movement.

A social movement is more than one event; it's a sustained effort.

Factors that contribute to the rise of social movements: political opportunities, available resources, and persuasive messaging.

The emotional response that social movements tap into to mobilize people.

Social movements are distinguished from riots and other forms of collective action by their organized structure, long-term goals, and broader impact.

The rise and fall of social movements reflect the expanding and contracting space for democratic participation.

The year 2011 witnessed a surge of protests and social movements globally, fueled by various factors like the financial crisis and social inequalities.

A shift in attitudes towards social movements that occurred in the 1960s, when the more affluent and educated began to empathize with those less fortunate and advocate for social change and material improvements.

A resource mobilization theory of social movements emphasizing the mobilization of resources like time and money for organizational activity.

The process of framing issues in a way that resonates with potential supporters and the wider public to mobilize support for a social movement.

A process of creating a shared sense of identity and solidarity around a cause within a social movement.

The reemergence of emotional mobilization in social movements, with organizers appealing to anger, outrage, compassion, fears, and anxieties to motivate and engage.

Organized labor and strikes were the dominating forces in protests during the 1980s.

A shift occurred in the 2010s, with worker-led protests diminishing and a wider range of groups joining the movement.

The 2015 protests were characterized by a larger variety of groups, including environmentalists, housing activists, students, and anti-cuts activists.

In the 1980s, strikes and wildcat strikes accounted for a significant portion of the collective action taken by protesters.

The percentage of protests involving strikes and wildcat strikes significantly decreased in the 2010s.

The 2010s witnessed a decrease in the number of protests led by workers and organized labor, suggesting a shift in protest dynamics.

The 2015 protests show a wider range of participants beyond organized labor, demonstrating a shift in the social landscape of protests.

The dominance of worker-led protests in the 1980s, compared to the more diverse and pluralist nature of the protests in the 2010s and 2015, indicates a changing dynamic in the protest landscape.

The misuse of the term "social movement" can occur when people use it to describe individual acts of protest or isolated events, without recognizing the interconnected nature of the movement and the sustained efforts of the involved groups.

A social movement involves groups of people who demand changes to the status quo. These "claimants" can be workers seeking better conditions, activists fighting for equality, or any group with a shared objective.

Social movements adopt creative and diverse tactics to gain attention and influence. These strategies often evolve over time, reflecting the movement's changing needs and the evolving media landscape.

Protesters, especially in recent times, have become increasingly adept at using innovative, attention-grabbing tactics to make their message heard. This reflects the changing landscape of protest and the need to stand out in a crowded media environment.

Protestors utilize stunts that go beyond traditional protest methods, aiming to capture media attention and draw public scrutiny. It's evidence of the growing sophistication of protest tactics in the digital age.

The Writers Guild of America's strike highlights how social movements can emerge within specific industries. Their fight for fair compensation and protection against new technologies reflects the evolving nature of work and the power dynamics in creative fields.

The Writers Guild of America's strike reflects the recognition that artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human creativity. They seek to ensure that writers retain control over their work and are not replaced by automated systems.