Social movements and collective behavior: Research Starters Topic
Social movements are organized efforts by groups and individuals aimed at promoting or resisting social change within a society. These movements often operate outside traditional political systems, allowing them to focus on specific issues or broader societal challenges. The scope of social movements can vary widely, ranging from targeted campaigns to significant, far-reaching initiatives that address fundamental societal concerns.
Research on social movements encompasses various theoretical frameworks and concepts related to collective behavior, including contagion theory, convergence theory, and resource mobilization theory. These theories help explain how individuals come together to form movements, the dynamics of crowd behavior, and the role of media in shaping public perception. Understanding social movements also involves examining phenomena like moral panics and mass hysteria, which highlight the emotional and psychological dimensions of collective action.
By exploring these elements, individuals can gain insight into the complex nature of social movements and their impact on society, making it a significant area of study for those interested in social change and collective behavior.
Social movements and collective behavior: Research Starters Topic
Social movements and collective behavior: Research Starters Topic
A social movement is an intentional, relatively organized effort on the part of individuals and groups to either bring about social change or resist it within a society. Social movements typically operate outside established political institutions. Social movements may be narrowly defined and target a specific social issue or may be broader in scope and target fundamental issues within the society. There are numerous Research Starter articles related to this topic, especially as it pertains to collective behavior. The list below includes the most relevant Research Starter items.
Related Research Starters
Collective Behavior: Contagion Theory
Dispersed Collectivities: Rumors and Gossip
Four Stages of Social Movements
Localized Collectivities: Mobs, Riots and Crowd Behavior
Mass Media, Propaganda and Public Opinion
Social Movement Theory: Mass Society Theory
Social Movement Theory: New Social Movement Theory
Social Movement Theory: Relative Deprivation Theory
Social Movement Theory: Resource Mobilization Theory
Social Movement Theory: Structural Strain Theory