Exam 16: Social Change: Modern and Postmodern Societies

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New social movements (NSMs) differ from older social movements in several key aspects, including their goals, organization, methods, and the social context in which they operate. Here are some of the main differences:

1. Goals and Issues:
- Older social movements often focused on economic issues, class struggle, and political reforms. They aimed at systemic changes, such as workers' rights, redistribution of wealth, or political representation.
- New social movements tend to focus on a broader range of social and cultural issues, such as environmental protection, human rights, gender equality, and identity politics. They are more concerned with quality of life, individual identity, and self-expression.

2. Organization and Leadership:
- Traditional social movements were typically characterized by formal and hierarchical structures, with clear leadership and membership criteria. They often had connections to political parties or labor unions.
- New social movements are more likely to have decentralized and informal organizational structures. They often rely on networks and coalitions of various groups and individuals, and may have a more fluid and participatory approach to leadership and decision-making.

3. Methods and Tactics:
- Older movements often used organized strikes, protests, and political lobbying as their main tactics. They sought to exert pressure on the political system from the outside or to gain representation within it.
- New social movements frequently utilize a wider array of tactics, including cultural resistance, grassroots community projects, online activism, and symbolic actions. They often aim to create change through altering cultural norms and values, in addition to political advocacy.

4. Identity and Culture:
- Traditional social movements were often based on shared economic interests or class solidarity. They aimed to represent a particular class or group within the existing social structure.
- New social movements often emphasize identity and diversity, focusing on issues related to ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and other aspects of personal identity. They may seek to challenge and redefine cultural norms and social roles.

5. Globalization and Technology:
- Older social movements were generally more localized or national in scope, reflecting the industrial society and nation-state politics of their time.
- New social movements are more global, taking advantage of technological advancements and the interconnectedness of the world. They use digital media and the internet to organize, mobilize, and spread their message across borders.

6. Public Participation:
- Traditional movements often relied on mass mobilization and the collective power of large groups of people.
- New social movements may engage in "lifestyle politics," where individual choices and personal transformation are seen as a form of activism. They also utilize social media to engage a broader audience and encourage more personalized forms of participation.

In summary, new social movements have emerged in response to changes in society, technology, and the global political economy. They reflect the complexities of post-industrial societies and tend to be more diverse, decentralized, and focused on a wider range of issues than their predecessors.