Social Movement Theories PDF

1. Resource mobilization theory. This theory emphasizes the importance of resources for social movements to succeed. It argues that movements need financial, organizational, and human resources to effectively challenge existing power structures. 2. Political process theory focuses on how political o...

1. Resource mobilization theory. This theory emphasizes the importance of resources for social movements to succeed. It argues that movements need financial, organizational, and human resources to effectively challenge existing power structures. 2. Political process theory focuses on how political opportunities shape social movements' emergence and success. It suggests that favorable political conditions such as open policy windows or supportive elites are crucial for movement mobilization. 3. New social movement (NSM) theory. Unlike traditional social movements that focused on economic issues like labor rights or class struggle, NSM theorists argue that contemporary movements are driven by post-materialist values such as identity politics or environmentalism. NSM theorists also emphasize cultural change as a goal rather than just material gains. 4. Deprivation theory posits that social movements arise due to perceived grievances or deprivations experienced by individuals or groups. According to this theory, when people feel deprived of certain resources, such as political rights or economic opportunities, they are more likely to mobilize and engage in collective action. For instance, the civil rights movement in the United States emerged because African Americans felt deprived of equal rights and opportunities. Relative vs. Absolute Deprivation: Absolute deprivation refers to the lack of basic necessities required for survival, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It is an objective measure that focuses on the absence of essential resources. Relative deprivation refers to a perceived discrepancy between what individuals or groups have and what they believe they deserve compared to others. It is a subjective measure that focuses on the feeling of being disadvantaged relative to others within society. Absolute deprivation is primarily caused by systemic factors such as poverty, discrimination, unequal distribution of resources, or lack of access to essential services due to economic disparities. In contrast, relative deprivation is fueled by social comparisons and perceptions of unfairness within society. 5. On the other hand, structural strain theory focuses on the structural conditions within society that create tensions leading to social movements. This theory argues that when individuals perceive these strains as unjust or unattainable through conventional means, they may resort to collective action (Merton, 1938). An example is seen in labor strikes where workers perceive a strain between their desire for fair wages and working conditions compared to what employers offer.