Introduction to Sociology/Social Movements/Jeong Hyeonsu

1. Summary

Social movements for various purposes are still happening everywhere. Social movements are the alliance of people with a common interest in social change. It is classified into four types depending on who is the subject of movement or how many changes occur. This web page guides how various social theories (for example, deprivation theory and political process theory) explaining social movements. What seems often in these theories is that the feelings of deprivation or dissatisfaction are motivated to participate in social movements.

2. Interesting & New thing

I participate in the women's right and queer right movement; for example, legalized abortion. I thought that people including myself were participate in social movements simply trying to regain the rights. However, I realized my thoughts were short after reading the deprivation theory’s circular reasoning problem and another theory. People participate in this to make friend, unsatisfied society and many other reasons.

3. Discussion Point

 Cultural theory attempts to solve the “free ride problem.” The free ride problem is a tendency to refuse to participate in a social movement that is expected to succeed and that it is expected to benefit to them. I think it would be difficult to induce participation if they do not feel direct deficiency and deprivation. Do you think we can solve this problem? If you thought you could solve it, what was the reason and how?



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