NSMs Theoretical Explanations

Question 1

Collective Behavior Identity

Answer 1

Negative view of NSMs associating them with riots. SMs are seen as dysfunctional behaviour resulting from strains in society.

Question 2

CBI Problem

Answer 2

It assumes a normal social state in which political institutions are able to meet the demands of the people and maintain the status quo.

Question 3

Resource Mobilization theory

Answer 3

Sees SMs are highly rational responses to social change. NSMs emerge when individuals make rational choices in pursuit of instrumental gain.

Question 4

McCarthy and Zald (87)

Answer 4

RMT - Political grievances are always present in society, but SMs only emerge in particular circumstances - when some individuals see opportunities for personal gain from it.

Question 5

RMT Problem - Beuchler (93)

Answer 5

Not all SMS have any formal organization with status and career opportunities - they are communities of equals. RMT focuses on the organization of a SM rather than its collective identity.

Question 6

Marxism

Answer 6

Traditional SMs were based on social inequality and class conflict; they grew out of the need for working-class people to voice their common concerns.

Question 7

Habermas (91)

Answer 7

Marxist - Views government and big businesses intrusions into individual’s everyday lives as an attempt to take over their lives. SMs are defensive reactions by ordinary people to reassert control over their threatened lifestyles.

Question 8

Offe (85)

Answer 8

Marxist - Argues that NSMs are best understood as responses to the growing dominance of the capitalist stat. More areas of life become subject to state regulation and NSMs emerge to reverse them.

Question 9

Touraine (81)

Answer 9

Postmodern - Suggests that membership of NSMs help individuals create their identities. NSMs prevent social stagnation and are the fabric of social lide. Cultural conflicts have replaced economic conflicts.

Question 10

Mamay (02)

Answer 10

Postmodern - political regime in the Soviet Union was severely repressive both of actions against the state and modes of thinking that differed from the original one.

Question 11

Klein (00)

Answer 11

Diversity and choice are crushed in postmodern society as big businesses imposes its culture on society. Advertising campaigners persuade customers that such brands are an important part of their lives.

Question 12

Globalization

Answer 12

Big businesses are able to spread their ‘viruses’ more easily in postindustrial society because of the rise of MNC and TNCs. Anti-corporate movements can be understood as an attempted counter-attack by consumers.

Question 13

Cohen and Kennedy (00)

Answer 13

Globalization - Transnational SMs unite not just as citizens of postindustrial societies but also the dispossessed and exploited in less democratic countries to resist the influence of MNCs and TNCs.

Question 14

Klein

Answer 14

Globalization - They are no longer just consumers they are individuals in search for their own identity.