Theoretical Traditions in Social Movement Research: Resource Mobilization, Political Process, and New Social Movements

Resource Mobilization Theory (RMT)

A theory arguing that grievances alone are not sufficient for social movement emergence; the ability to acquire, organize, and deploy resources is crucial.

Nature of Resources

Includes material and non-material assets used to organize and sustain movements, such as money, facilities, knowledge, leadership, and social networks.

Social Movement Organizations (SMOs)

Formal organizations that align with movement goals and manage resources to coordinate collective action.

Movement Entrepreneurs

Individuals who gather resources, create organizations, recruit participants, or develop strategies for social movements.

Grievances

Feelings of dissatisfaction about social, economic, or political conditions; viewed as necessary but insufficient for mobilization.

Relative Deprivation

The perception that an individual's or group's situation is worse than what they believe they deserve compared to others.

Political Process Approach (PPA)

A theoretical approach explaining movement development via political opportunities, mobilizing structures, and framing processes.

Political Opportunity Structure

External features or changes in the political environment affecting the possibility of collective action.

Mobilizing Structures

Organizational infrastructure that helps turn willingness to act into actual mobilization, including formal and informal structures.

Framing Processes

Construction and communication of interpretations of reality by movement actors to define problems and justify actions.

New Social Movements (NSM) Theory

A theory focused on social movements that emphasize identity, culture, autonomy, and quality of life, diverging from traditional economic models.

Post-materialist Values

Values that become significant when material security is achieved, such as autonomy, self-expression, and environmental protection.

Decentralized Organization

A preference in new social movements for flexible, participatory structures rather than centralized hierarchies.

Synergy Perspective

The view that different theoretical traditions should be treated as complementary in understanding social movements.

Micro-Meso-Macro Connection

The interaction of individual interpretations, organizational aspects, and broad political contexts in explaining movement dynamics.

Grievances

Feelings of dissatisfaction related to social, economic, or political conditions, seen as necessary but insufficient for mobilization.

Relative Deprivation

The perception that one's situation is worse than expected or worse than that of another group.

Political Opportunity Structure

External features of the political environment that impact the potential for collective action.

Mobilizing Structures

Organizational frameworks that facilitate the transformation of willingness to act into actual mobilization.

Diagnostic Framing

The process of identifying problems and attributing responsibility or blame in social movements.

Prognostic Framing

Identifying specific solutions or actions to address identified problems within a social movement.

Motivational Framing

Constructing a call to action, providing reasons for participation in a movement.

Decentralized Organization

A structure often preferred by New Social Movements that emphasizes flexible and participatory arrangements.

Elite Dynamics

How divisions or alliances among political elites can impact the mobilization and support of social movements.

Micro-Meso-Macro Connection

The interaction of individual motivation (micro), organizational structures (meso), and broader political contexts (macro) in movements.

Core Argument of RMT

Grievances alone do not explain social movements; effective resource mobilization is crucial for collective action.

Nature of Resources

Includes material (money, facilities) and non-material assets (time, knowledge, leadership) for organizing movements.

Example of Resource Mobilization

The Civil Rights Movement utilized churches for meeting places and organizational resources.

The Mobilization Process

The process of obtaining, organizing, and using resources to act on grievances.

Political Opportunity Structure

External features that affect the potential for collective action, like political openness and divisions among elites.

Elite Dynamics

Influences of elite allies and divisions among political elites that can support or hinder movements.

Formal Mobilizing Structures

Established organizations with formal membership such as trade unions and advocacy groups.

Informal Mobilizing Structures

Less formal networks like friendship or online activist communities that aid in communication and mobilization.

Types of Framing Processes

Includes diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational framing to influence perception and action in movements.

Comprehensive Example: Black Lives Matter

Demonstrates the synergy of grievances, digital mobilization, political opportunities, and framing in action.