Exam 23: Collective Behaviour and Social Movements

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The six theoretical approaches to social movements noted in the text are:

1. Resource Mobilization Theory: This approach emphasizes the importance of resources such as money, people, and organizational skills in the success of social movements. It teaches us that social movements require resources to be effective, and that the ability to mobilize these resources is crucial. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the role of ideology and emotions in driving social movements.

2. Political Process Theory: This approach focuses on the political opportunities and constraints that shape social movements. It teaches us that the political context in which a social movement operates is crucial to its success or failure. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the role of social and cultural factors in driving social movements.

3. New Social Movement Theory: This approach emphasizes the cultural and identity-based aspects of social movements, such as feminism, environmentalism, and LGBTQ rights. It teaches us that social movements are often driven by a desire for cultural and social change, as well as political change. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the economic and material factors that also drive social movements.

4. Framing Theory: This approach focuses on the ways in which social movements frame their grievances and goals in order to mobilize support. It teaches us that the way a social movement presents its message is crucial to its success. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the structural and institutional factors that shape social movements.

5. Collective Behavior Theory: This approach emphasizes the spontaneous and unstructured nature of social movements, viewing them as a form of collective behavior. It teaches us that social movements can emerge without formal organization or leadership. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the strategic and intentional aspects of social movements.

6. Structural Strain Theory: This approach focuses on the structural conditions that lead to social movements, such as inequality and injustice. It teaches us that social movements are often a response to social and economic grievances. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the agency and intentionality of social movement actors.

Based on this material, it is clear that sociologists have developed a range of theoretical approaches to understanding social movements. However, each approach has its limitations and criticisms. While these theories provide valuable insights into the dynamics of social movements, none of them alone provides a comprehensive understanding. Therefore, it can be argued that we have not yet developed an adequate understanding of social movements, as a more holistic and integrated approach is needed to fully grasp the complexities of social movement dynamics.