Social movement

Social movement

Grouping of individuals who seek to generate a change in society, emerge through a situation in crisis, receive the support of organizations, politicians, etc.

Historical facts.

One of these is called mass society theory. Early in the study of social movements people were sceptional of the motivitions of those involved in social movements.

They were seen as dysfunctional,irrational and dangerous,and that people would only join because the social movement provided a sense of community and refuge from the meaninglessness of life on one zone.

This point was strong during the 20th centurym, the time of Nazism, fascism, and Stalinism which were social movements that result in the destruction of millions of lives.

But this theory didn’t persist through the century. By ther 60’s, scholars took a more opne look at social movements especially after the civil rights movement, which certainly didn’t arise simply to satisfy a psychological need for involvement.

More recently, a few main theories have been developed.

One is the relative deprivation theory, which focuses on the actions of groups who are oppressed or deprived of rights that other people in their society enjoy.

Deindividualization process.

A process by which people lose their sense of individual social identity and adopt often antisocial, non-socialized behaviors, is also considered a process of differentiation, which aims at the development of individual personality. Since it does not assume the consequences of the actions.

Progress or results of the movement.

Communication:

Conflict resolution within the group, trying to improve intergroup relationships, evaluating problems or puzzles presented.

Negotiation:

Intergroup conflict resolution process in which representatives reach an agreement through direct negotiation.

Mediation:

Resolution of intergroup conflicts involving a neutral third-party alienating party to negotiate.

Conciliation:

Groups that cooperate to avoid conflict and a solution to problems.