Social Movements and Social Change

Difference between Social Movements and Social Change

Let's begin by understanding the difference between social movements and social change.

Social Movements

There are various levels of social movement that happen in our society, from local to global.

• Local movements occur locally, such as a petition for a new housing site to be halted.
• State movements happen statewide to unite residents and can be, for example, a politician rallying a voting movement throughout a particular state.
• National movements operate nationwide, meaning throughout a particular country or territory. And finally, global movements occur on a global scale, comprising movements across many countries.

There are also various types of social movements. According to David Aberle (1966), these are the different categories of social movement:

• Religious and Redemptive Movements aim to evoke change within individuals.
• Reform Movements wish to change specific parts of society's structure.
• Alternative Movements focus on specific changes to people's beliefs or activities.
• Resistance Movements aim to maintain the social structure.
• Revolutionary Movements attempt to change all aspects of society.

In addition to these different types of movement, Kladermans (1997) identified proactive and reactive social movements. Proactive social movements occur from individuals wanting to change society, while reactive social movements come from individuals reacting to resist societal change.

Theoretical Perspectives on Social Movements

The main theory recognized by sociologists concerning social movements is frame analysis (also known as framing analysis). This theory was developed by Goffman (1974), Snow et al. (1986), and Benford and Snow (2000), and it helps to explain how we follow particular norms at a social event.

According to Snow and Benford (1988), social movements use three frames to be successful:

• Diagnostic framing - when the problem is easily comprehended, and there is a clear 'right' or 'wrong'.

• Prognostic framing - this suggests a solution to the problem.

• Motivational framing - this encourages people to act and support the solution and the two previous framings.

These framings often create successful social movements. Social movements, when successful, can change society's behavior, attitudes, or culture through social change.

Social Change

Social change is generally the changing of behaviors, norms, values, or culture. It can refer to any change from the accepted norms of society. Social change is different from social movements, as it is the change that occurs from the movement. There are four main agents, identified by various sociologists, which create change:

Technology

Freidman (2005) believed that technology was the main reason for globalization. Advanced technology propelled globalization, therefore causing significant social change as we are able to communicate globally.

Social Institutions

Each social institution is deeply interlinked. This means that a change within one can also greatly change the other institutions.

Population

Demographic changes in population have a monumental effect on social change. Different generations prioritize different agendas, which can influence how society behaves.

The Environment

Humans and the environment are highly connected. Humans change their social behaviors due to the environment, like eating seasonal foods or preparing for natural disasters. This can promote social change if many react to their environment.

Collective Behavior

There is also another aspect that is crucial to social movements and social change - collective behavior.

Sociologists use collective behaviors to explain social change, but collective behaviors are often unpredictable and difficult to analyze.

Forms of Collective Behavior

There are different forms of collective behavior. The most common ones are:

• Riots: large groups of people causing violence.
• Rumors: rumors are unconfirmed pieces of information that get passed around.
• Panics and Crazes: crazes cause excitement in the masses whilst panics cause fear in the masses.
• Fashion and Fads: fads are temporary behavioral patterns whilst fashions are accepted societal trends which cause pleasure.
• Urban Legends: myth-like stories, which aren't always true, that cause speculation.

Types of Crowds and Groups

Crowds are also a common type of collective behavior. Turner and Killian (1993) defined four types of crowds:

Casual crowds comprise people who happen to be in the same place at the same time yet don't tend to communicate with each other. Conventional crowds are groups of people who form at a specified time for a specific event. Expressive crowds form to express their emotions, and finally, acting crowds join with the intention of a particular goal.

In addition to crowds, we can identify two types of collective groups. A mass is a large number of individuals that come together over a shared interest but are not within close range of one another. A public is a large group of people who share the same belief or idea but not in a rigid or close manner.

Theoretical Perspectives on Collective Behavior

In addition, there are three perspectives of collective behavior identified by different sociologists.

The Emergent-Norm Perspective

This is a theory introduced by Turner and Killian (1987). They stated that when collective behavior occurs, we can identify suitable and unsuitable behaviors within it.

The Assembling Perspective

The assembling perspective was introduced by McPhail and Miller (1973). This theory looked at why and how people from different areas assemble in the same location.

The Value-Added Theory

Smelser (1962) introduced his value-added theory, which looked at how social norms are turned into forms of collective behavior.

Fig. 1 - Social movements often involve collective behavior.

Examples of Social Movements vs Social Change

There are plenty of examples of social movements and social change. Let's look at some of these and the different approaches towards them.

Relative Deprivation Approach of Social Movements

The relative deprivation approach has been described by Wilson (1973) as being:

In other words, Wilson describes the relative deprivation approach as a feeling that things aren't as good as they're expected to be. This results in individuals feeling dissatisfied with society, or the state of social and economic conditions, without necessarily being the worst off.

Resource Mobilization Approach of Social Movements

Social movements require many resources in order to be successful. Media influence, political influence, money, and people are just some of the resources needed for a successful social movement. Resource mobilization means that a social movement uses these resources in an effective manner.

In addition to approaches to social movements, we can also look at an example of a theory of social change.

Evolutionary Theory of Social Change

The well-known work of Charles Darwin (1809-1882) can be looked at as a famous example of social change. Darwin's theory of evolution stated that humans are constantly progressing into more advanced forms of their previous selves.

The above is an example of social change as it shows how humans have changed over a vast period of time. Modern social change, as we know it, is often much more prompt than this.

Relationship between Social Movements and Social Change

There is a key relationship highlighted between social movements and social change. Social movements also often involve collective behavior. When everyone comes together and behaves in the same way, toward a goal, this can result in social change. All three aspects are closely linked and often exist at the same time. In addition to this, sometimes social change may birth new social movements! It's like a constant cycle.

There is also an important relationship between social movements and sociology. Sociology, the study of society, looks in detail at how social movements have changed society historically. They also look at the changes which are currently being seen.

Globalization and Social Change

The relationship between social movements and social change has become more complex over the years. This is arguably due to globalization.

With globalization, movements can stretch internationally and empower others across the world to stand up to create social change too. According to sociologists, this may be why we are experiencing such rapid social changes in society. Globalization is speeding up the process and allowing us to make connections across the world to rise as a larger movement than before.

Now, let's look in more detail at an example of the role of social movements in social change.

Roles of Social Movements in Social Change

Social movements play a significant role in overall social change - they are often the driving force behind social change. We can look at a prevalent example of social movement and social change to show how the two are interlinked.

Before the 1930s, marijuana was used recreationally and as a medicine available over the counter. But in the 1930s, public views were changed by a movement led by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Their campaign changed the way Americans saw marijuana, understanding it as a dangerous substance. They introduced negative propaganda, which influenced people's views against the previously accepted drug.

Fig. 2 - The legalization of marijuana is an ongoing social movement that is causing social change.

However, you may now recognize the social change that has occurred in relation to legalizing marijuana. There has been a recent public shift in opinion, and a social movement toward legalization. This is largely due to a wider understanding of its uses as well as the realization that prosecution of possession weighs heavier for individuals who aren't White.

This movement gained success when in 2012, the states of Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana. This change has been followed in recent years by other states and countries across the world.

This is an important example of how social change and social movements go hand in hand. So let's summarize this example!

Importance of Social Movements vs Social Change

Social movements are considered important as they often bring about social change. Without these changes, we may be living in far less developed societies. Recently, there have been some notably powerful social movements that have brought significant positive societal change.

Fig. 3 - The Black Lives Matter movement is considered an important social movement.

The Black Lives Matter movement has attempted to raise awareness of how institutions such as the police and law enforcement treat Black people, as well as demanding change and accountability. The Schools Strike for Climate movement, started by Greta Thunberg, has started many discussions worldwide about how climate change is impacting our planet. These are just two examples of how social movements can implement important social change and help societies to focus on their problems.

Although social movements and social change may be important to some, these changes are often met with resistance by others.

Resistance to Social Change

Social change can be hard to comprehend for some and may be very daunting. Resistance to social change is a normal occurrence. Some changes may negatively impact certain social groups in society, and this is why they are met with resistance. Veblen (1857-1929) introduced the term vested interests in reference to those social groups affected by social change.

We can often divide resistance into two categories:

Economic Reasons for Resistance

Some groups, organizations, and people may have a vested interest in the status quo, which means they resist change. Economically, companies and individuals may feel they cannot implement certain social developments due to the costs of the changes. As a result, some companies may cut corners in order to resist social changes. If a company or individual is powerful enough, they may also attempt to pressure the government against certain social changes.

Resistance to New Technologies

As newer technologies are introduced, they create social change. We now rely far more on technology in our day-to-day lives. For instance, many factories in manufacturing industries are autonomous due to advanced machinery and, therefore, can fire or lower the wages of their workers. This has led many to resist the social change associated with new technologies as it limits job opportunities.