Social Movements, Collective Behavior, and Change
How Collective Action Emerges
Collective behavior
Collective behavior refers to relatively spontaneous group action, such as panics, rumors, crowd behavior, and some online mobilizations.
Social movements
Social movements are organized, sustained efforts to promote or resist social change. They rely on framing, leadership, resources, networks, and opportunities.
Mechanisms of mobilization
Movements grow through grievances, political opportunities, resource mobilization, and framing. Shared meaning is crucial because people act when they see a cause as legitimate and urgent.
Which is most likely to describe a social movement rather than collective behavior?
Social movements are sustained and organized around social change.
Correct answer: An organized campaign for voting rights
What is framing in social movements?
Framing gives events and goals meaning that can mobilize support.
Correct answer: Shaping how a cause is understood
Name one resource that can help a movement grow.
Other valid answers include volunteers, media attention, networks, and organizations.
Correct answer: money
Analyzing a movement
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Step 1: Identify the grievance or demand.
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Step 2: Look at framing and slogans.
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Step 3: Examine resources and leadership.
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Step 4: Check political opportunities and constraints.
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Step 5: Evaluate outcomes and unintended consequences.
Change is not always linear
Movements often face repression, internal conflict, co-optation, and partial victories before any lasting transformation occurs.
What is one reason political opportunities matter for movements?
Openings in the political environment can make mobilization more effective.
Correct answer: they affect chances of success