Smoking indoors used to be a common practice in many societies - but now it's frowned upon or banned. Same-sex marriage used to be an impossibility, and although it's not legalized in all countries, it's far more accepted now (in the West). And what about the rise of cashless payments? Nowadays, it's common to pay with a card, yet this was inconceivable 100 years ago!
These are examples of documented social change, caused by social movements. Let's explore how social movements and social change occur.
- In this article, we will look at:
- Social movements vs social change examples.
- The difference between social movements and social change.
- The relationship between social movements and social change.
- The roles of social movements in social change.
- And finally, the importance of social movements vs social change.
Difference between Social Movements and Social Change
Let's begin by understanding the difference between social movements and social change.
Social Movements
Social movements are organized groups that aim to achieve a shared social goal.
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.
You are attending a wedding. The perceived 'frame' that you have in your mind helps you to know how to behave. For example, you know to dress smartly and will likely bring a gift.
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 a change in society, driven by social movements.
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.
Collective behavior is when a large group of people follow the same behavioral pattern, usually spontaneously.
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.
How do you think collective behavior plays a part in social movements?
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:
the conscious feelings of a negative discrepancy between legitimate expectations and present actualities." - (Wilson, 1973, in Schaefer, 2015)
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.
For example, people may see unfair things happening to those in a worse economic situation than themselves, and decide to fight for social change to help them.
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.
For instance, humans began as microscopic organisms and developed into the complex beings we are today.
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.
Social movements often begin out of a feeling of injustice. If many individuals are feeling like this, then it often draws attention to the areas of society that have a larger pressure to change.
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.
The recent Black Lives Matter movement originated in the US yet resonated with people all across the globe. This is largely due to globalization and our increased use of social media to connect across borders.
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!
The social movement of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics changed the positive social attitude toward marijuana to a negative one in the 1930s. Yet many years later, different social movements highlighted the benefits of the drug and the controversial policing effects it had in the United States. This led to the eventual social change to legalize marijuana, beginning in 2012, which we can still see around the world today.
Can you think of another example of a social movement that led to social change?
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.
Can you think of any other important social movements?
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.
Social Movements & Social Change - Key takeaways
- Social movements are organized groups that aim to achieve a shared social goal, and social change is a change in society, driven by social movements.
- Collective behavior is when a large group of people follow the same behavioral pattern and is often deeply interlinked with social movements and social change.
- The relative deprivation approach, resource mobilization approach, and evolutionary theory are all examples of theoretical approaches to social movements or social change.
- Social movements and social change are considered important as they help to develop society.
- Globalization has led to rapid social changes in modern society.
References
- Schaefer, R. T. (2015). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. Mcgraw-Hill Education.
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