Ch18: Collective Action, Social Movements, and Social Change

Question 1

Collective Action (def and types)

Answer 1

Action that takes place in groups and diverges from the social norms of the situation. Types: Crowd C.A. (physically together) and Mass C.A. (not)

Question 1

Convergence Theory (belief and criticism)

Answer 1

Collective action happens when people with similar ideas and tendencies gather in the same place.
It does not explain the inconsistency of group action.

Question 2

Contagion Theory (belief and criticism)

Answer 2

Collective action arises because people conform to others’ behaviors.
Downplays individual agency; treats individuals as mindless sheep; doesn’t explain inconsistency of group action

Question 3

Emergent Norm Theory (belief and criticism)

Answer 3

Emphasized the influence of “keynoters” in promoting new behavioral norms, especially in unusual situations for which already established norms are inadequate

Question 4

Value-Added Theory

Answer 4

Conditions required for social movement to coalesce and succeed:
1. Social strain not being alleviated by power holders
2. Agreement on definition of problem
3. Ability to act on grievance
4. Spark that ignites controversy
5. Mobilization / Organization for action
6. Failure of social control by established power holders

Question 5

Social Movement

Answer 5

Collective behavior that’s purposeful and organized (but not ritualized) and seeks to challenge or change one or more aspects of society through institutional and extra-institutional means

Question 6

Alternative Social Movements

Answer 6

Seek limited social change and target particular groups

Question 7

Redemptive Social Movements

Answer 7

Seek radical change and target particular groups

Question 8

Reformative Social Movements

Answer 8

Seek limited change but target entire society

Question 9

Revolutionary Social Movements

Answer 9

Seek radical change across society

Question 10

Classical Model of Social Movements (theory + criticisms)

Answer 10

Based on a concept of structural weakness in society that results in psychological disruption of individuals. Social movements as a collective response to structural strain that disrupts people’s psyche. Not largely influenced by political goals.
Issues: Doesn’t explain type or magnitude of system strain needed; individuals are pathologized; removes the desire attain specific, rational, political goals

Question 11

Resource Mobilization Theory of Social Movements (theory + criticisms)

Answer 11

Social movements are unlikely to emerge without the necessary resources. Key factors are discontent and availability of resources.
Issues: successful movements are often led by the powerless; dependence on external sponsors or the elite often causes the decline and demise of movements; no explanation as to what grievances lead to insurgencies

Question 12

Political Process Model of Social Movements (theory + criticisms)

Answer 12

Focus on the structure of political opportunities. When these are favorable, social movements are more likely to succeed.
Issues: Downplays cultural or emotional components.

Question 13

Stages of Social Movements

Answer 13

1. Emergence (problem is identified)
2. Coalescence (mobilization of resources / concrete action taken)
3. Routinization / Institutionalization: formal structure develops to promote cause

Question 14

Social Movement Organization (def + types)

Answer 14

Groups developed to recruit new members and coordinate participation in a particular movement
PROFESSIONAL: has full-time leadership staff and a large membership that plays minor role.
PARTICIPATORY: membership is directly involved. EX: grassroots, mass protests

Question 15

Grassroots Organization

Answer 15

Relies on high levels of community-based membership participation to promote social change- Lacks hierarchical structure and works through existing political structure

Question 16

Mass Protest Organization

Answer 16

Advocates for social change through protests and demonstrations

Question 17

Premodernity

Answer 17

-Social relations defined by concentric circles of social affiliation
-Low degree of division of labor
-Underdeveloped technology
-Traditional social norms

Question 18

Modernity

Answer 18

-Social relations characterized by rationality, bureaucratization, and objectivity, as well as individually created nonconcentric, but overlapping, group affiliations

Question 18

Postmodernity

Answer 18

Social relations characterized by a questioning of the notion of progress and history, the replacement of narrative with pastiche, and multiple, perhaps conflicting, identities resulting from disjointed affiliations.

Question 19

Causes of Social Change

Answer 19

1- Technology and innovation
2- New ideas and identities
3- Conflict