Introduction to Sociology/Social Movements/doeun lee

1.     Summary

Social movements are social processes that do not reflect laws, customs, or institutions that are not officially organized. These social movements also cause counter movements. According to Giddens, social movements in modern society operate in four areas: democratic movements, labor movements, ecological movements, peace movements. The theory about social movements is very diverse.

- Deprivation theory
According to the deprivation theory, the social movement is based on people lacking from goods or resources. This is because people are more likely to organize a social movement to improve their condition.
- Mass-society thory
: The mass-society theory argues that society consists of individuals with small presence or alienation. According to this theory, social movement provides the authority and belonging that it does not.
- Structural-strain theory
: Structural-strain theory argues that structural conduciveness, structural strain, growth and spread of a solution, precipitating factors, lack of social control, and mobilization encourage social movement development.

In addition, there are resource-mobilization theory, political process theory, and culture theory.

1.     New//Interesting I learned

It is very interesting that culture theory is attempting to solve the free-rider problem. A free-rider is a person who uses a resource without paying for it. The culture theory is briefly explained and there is little explanation for the free-rider problem. But I thought it was interesting to realize that the free-rider problem in social movements is one of the important things to deal with.

2.     Discussion

I could most agree with the resource-mobilization theory among many theories about social movements. This theory says that resources are of great importance for the development and success of social movements. I think resources are the most necessary. Opponents, however, argue that the theory highlights the importance of the resources too much. Some social movements are done without money. What opinions do students agree with?