Social Movement Emergence, Organizations, Strategies, and Media

Flashcards covering the emergence and growth of social movements, the role and structure of Social Movement Organizations (SMOs), various movement strategies and tactics, and the influence of media, including social media, on modern social movements.

What often causes social movements to emerge, according to relative deprivation theory?

Perceived injustice, inequality, or unmet needs.

What political factors contribute to the emergence of social movements, as explained by political process theory?

Weak governments, divided elite, and existing political opportunities.

What is 'mobilization' in the context of social movements?

The process whereby a group that shares grievances or interests gains collective control over resources.

What is 'recruitment' in the context of social movements?

The commitment of individual resources, such as time, money, and skills, to a cause, as part of the broader process of mobilization.

Are mobilization and recruitment for social movements one-time events or ongoing processes?

They are ongoing processes.

According to resource mobilization theory, do grievances automatically lead to mobilization?

No, grievances do not automatically lead to mobilization.

What does political process theory suggest regarding the emergence of social movements?

Political opportunities, such as rifts within powerful elites, availability of allies, and declining state capacity for repression, lead to emergence.

Why is 'framing issues' important for the success of social movements?

Movements succeed when they frame issues that resonate with people’s values and concerns, creating the emotional energy needed for participation.

What is a key takeaway about the emergence and growth of social movements?

They cannot be explained by a single factor, but rather a combination of grievances, resources, mobilization, political opportunities, and framing of issues.

What is a Social Movement Organization (SMO)?

An organized component of a social movement that has clear leadership, membership, and a strategy to achieve specific goals related to the movement’s cause.

How is a Social Movement Organization (SMO) related to a social movement?

An SMO is usually only a part of a larger social movement, which is often composed of many SMOs.

Name an example of a Social Movement Organization (SMO) from the American Civil Rights Movement.

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

What characterizes a 'formalized' or 'bureaucratic' Social Movement Organization (SMO)?

Established procedures for decision making, a developed division of labor, explicit membership criteria, rules governing subunits, and often includes a constitution, bylaws, leadership, and paid staff.

What characterizes an 'informal' Social Movement Organization (SMO)?

Fewer established procedures, rules, and membership requirements, a less-developed division of labor, and decisions made on an ad hoc basis, often driven by local volunteers.

What type of tactics are often associated with more centralized and formalized SMO structures?

Institutionalized tactics, such as legislative lobbying and political pressure.

What key role do leaders play in social movements?

Inspiring commitment, devising strategies, shaping organizational structures, recruiting activists, and providing opportunities for participation in decision-making.

How do scholars define a 'collective campaign' in social movements?

An aggregate of collective events or activities oriented toward some relatively specific goal, often aimed at government officials or other authorities.

What are 'contentious performances' in social movements?

Activities like civil disobedience or bus boycotts that are often part of movement campaigns.

According to Daniel Hunter's typology, what is the goal of 'Symbolic Protest'?

To raise public awareness of an issue and persuade a target to act in a desired way.

According to Daniel Hunter's typology, what is the goal of 'Noncooperation'?

To undermine the authority of an unjust system by refusing to cooperate with it.

According to Daniel Hunter's typology, what is the goal of 'Alternative Cooperation'?

To actively cooperate with an alternative institution or policy by acting as though it is already in place, thereby challenging the current system/policy.

When do people often turn to nonviolent direct action as a tactic?

After institutionalized ways of settling disagreements are unsuccessful.

What are examples of 'conventional' tactics used by social movements?

Lobbying, petitions, rallies, and marches.

What are examples of 'disruptive' tactics used by social movements?

Strikes, boycotts, and sit-ins.

How have social movements traditionally attempted to spread their messages?

Through traditional and broadcast media such as TV, radio, and print.

What is a common challenge for social movements in gaining media coverage?

Movement activities are often not reported, or when they are, they may be distorted, given less coverage, or activists framed as radicals due to the media's gatekeeping role.

What is a significant influence of social media on social movements?

It accelerates recruitment, mobilization, and dissemination of information, and expands spaces of mobilization through tools like hashtag campaigns.