Theories of Social Movements

Flashcards covering classical, resource mobilization, political process, and new social movement theories, along with contributing factors and critical analyses.

What two main factors can spark a social movement?

Social networks (e.g., religious institutions, media, online groups) and triggering events (e.g., specific incidents like Rosa Parks's act or George Floyd's death).

What is the primary focus of Classical Theory (1930s-1960s) regarding social movements?

It focuses on frustration, deprivation, and social injustice, exemplified by concepts like relative deprivation.

According to Resource Mobilization Theory, what do movements need for success?

Resources such as money, networks, leadership, and effective structure, planning, organization, and strategy.

What does Political Process Theory suggest is crucial for the success of social movements?

Political opportunities, including the emergence of sympathizers at local and federal levels, and general political openness.

What does New Social Movement Theory emphasize as key drivers for contemporary movements?

Identity, culture, norms, and values, often focusing on rights and acceptance rather than purely economic issues.

Define "relative deprivation" in the context of social movements.

A perceived gap or feeling of being deprived of something (resources, rights, opportunities, social justice) that people believe they deserve, often leading to mobilization.

Who is often attributed with the concept of relative deprivation, and how did he explain it?

American sociologist Robert K. Merton; he posited that deprivation is relative, meaning people evaluate their situation by comparing it with others rather than objective standards.

What is a major criticism of Relative Deprivation Theory?

It struggles to explain why some grievances escalate into social movements while others do not, and it doesn't account for participation that doesn't directly benefit the individual.

According to McCarthy and Zald's Resource Mobilization Theory, what determines the success of a movement?

The ability to acquire and mobilize key resources, including material, human, organizational, cultural, and moral resources.

How does the effective management of resources contribute to a social movement's success?

It allows movements to grow, gain wider media coverage, and potentially become institutionalized with paid staff and established leadership.

What examples illustrate the importance of resource mobilization, leadership, and organization in social movements?

The Women's Suffrage Movement (e.g., NAWSA, skilled leadership, alliances) and the 2017 Women's March (organized leadership, social media, financial support).

How did the 2017 Women's March demonstrate the power of social media in mobilizing a movement?

It famously began with a Facebook post that quickly gained momentum, with over 100 organizations initially announcing support, leading to large-scale protests.

What was a significant characteristic of the Women's March in terms of its leadership and impact?

It was grassroots-led and inspired ongoing activism, eventually rebranding as the People's March for future protests.

What term describes the Women's March's recognition of how different social categories interrelate in systems of oppression?

Intersectionality.

What is a criticism of Resource Mobilization Theory?

It may not fully account for other important factors like the experience of relative deprivation, suggesting that resources alone are not always sufficient.

When do movements emerge, according to Political Process Theory?

When political systems are vulnerable, such as during weak government control or periods of public support, creating favorable political opportunities for activists.

Name two historical examples of social movements whose success was influenced by political opportunities according to Political Process Theory.

The Arab Spring (due to weak authoritarian governments) and the Civil Rights Movement (due to federal government support and divisions among Southern elites).

What are some criticisms of Political Process Theory regarding the concept of "political opportunity"?

The concept can be vague, less predictive than descriptive, and less useful in highly repressive regimes where movements rely more on covert networks or transnational support.

What does "elite split" refer to in the context of social movements?

Internal fragmentation or disunity among prevailing powerful segments of the establishment, which can create political opportunities for movements.

What important factor does Political Process Theory sometimes overlook, according to critics?

The significant role of culture, including cultural values, identities, symbols, and narratives, in motivating and shaping social movements.

How does New Social Movement Theory differentiate contemporary movements from older ones?

It notes that modern movements often span national boundaries and focus on identity, self-expression, rights, and recognition (e.g., LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism), rather than solely economic issues.

What are characteristic features of new social movements according to the theory?

An emphasis on cultural change and post-materialistic values, a middle-class base, and a decentralized, informal structure with grassroots participation.

What are common criticisms of New Social Movement Theory?

Its use of vague language, a potential Western bias, downplaying of structural or material issues, and the perceived lack of clear or dominant leadership.

According to Alison Dahl Crossley's article "Facebook Feminism," how has Facebook impacted feminist activism?

Facebook has served as a unique infrastructure for mobilization, recruitment, spreading feminist ideas, raising feminist consciousness, and bolstering emotional solidarity among activists.