Social Movements

Question 1

What is a social movement?

Answer 1

An organized effort by a large number of people to bring about social, political, economic, or cultural change.

Social movements differ from special interest groups in their methods and goals.

Question 2

How do social movements differ from special interest groups? Give examples for each.

Answer 2

Social movements work outside the system, while special interest groups work within the system.

Examples of special interest groups include NAACP and Planned Parenthood, while social movements include protests and sit-ins.

Question 3

What are the five types of social movements?

Answer 3

• Reform
• Revolutionary/Political
• Reactionary
• Self-help
• Religious

Each type has distinct goals and methods.

Question 4

Define a reform movement and give an example.

Answer 4

Seeks limited and significant changes within existing political, economic, or social systems. Example: Civil rights movement.

Reform movements improve conditions without overthrowing the government.

Question 5

What is a revolutionary movement?

Answer 5

Seeks to overthrow the existing government and establish a new one.

Example: American Revolution.

Question 6

Define Reactionary movement and give an example

Answer 6

Aims to prevent social change or reverse changes that have already been achieved.

Example: Anti-abortion movement.

Question 7

What is a self-help movement? Give an example.

Answer 7

individuals try to improve personal aspects of their lives.

Example: Alcoholics Anonymous.

Question 8

What defines a religious movement?

Answer 8

Aims to reinforce religious beliefs among members and to convert others.

Example: Early Christianity.

Question 9

What factors contribute to the rise of social movements?

Answer 9

• Faltering economy
• Lack of political freedom
• Discrimination
• Structural strain

Question 10

What does ‘relative deprivation’ mean?

Answer 10

Deprivation of rights or conditions in relation to another group.

This concept often motivates individuals to join social movements.

Question 11

What is ‘structural strain’?

Answer 11

Social problems that cause anger and frustration among people.

This strain can lead to the emergence of social movements.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Pull factors that cause people to join a social movement include _______.

Answer 12

• Sense of belonging and community
• Shared ideology
• Peer influence
• Identity and self-expression
• Hope and optimism for change

These factors foster recruitment into movements.

Question 13

How has the Internet changed social movements?

Answer 13

Good impacts: faster movement, broader reach, and easier involvement. Bad impacts: misinformation, slacktivism, and fleeting attention.

Social media can amplify both positive and negative effects on social movements.

Question 14

What are the stages of the life cycle of social movements? (ECID)

Answer 14

• Emergence
• Coalescence
• Institutionalization
• Decline

Each stage represents a different phase in the development of a social movement.

Question 15

Define the emergence stage of social movements.

Answer 15

When social movements begin for social, political, or economic reasons.

This is the initial phase where awareness is raised.

Question 16

What occurs during the coalescence stage of a social movement?

Answer 16

Movement leaders decide recruitment strategies and how to achieve goals.

This stage involves organizing and planning.

Question 17

What happens in the institutionalization stage of a social movement?

Answer 17

The movement becomes more organized and bureaucratic.

This can lead to more effective fundraising and stability.

Question 18

What characterizes the decline stage of a social movement?

Answer 18

The movement loses momentum and may disband or become less active.

Various factors can contribute to this decline.

Question 19

How do social movements make a difference?

Answer 19

Protests attract media attention, apply pressure on targets, and highlight issues.

Effective mobilization can lead to societal changes.

Question 20

What are the three types of consequences of social movements?

Answer 20

• Political
• Cultural
• Biographical

Each consequence reflects the impact of movements on society and individuals.

Question 21

How can culture be affected by social movements? Provide an example.

Answer 21

Changing social norms, such as the LGBTQ+ rights movement normalizing acceptance of diverse sexualities.

Social movements can reshape societal values and perceptions.