Describe the stages of development common to many social movements

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There appear to be identifiable stages in virtually all movements that succeed beyond

their initial phase of development. (1) In the preliminary (or incipiency) stage,

widespread unrest is present as people begin to become aware of a problem. At this

stage, leaders emerge to agitate others into taking action. (2) In the coalescence stage,

people begin to organize and to publicize the problem. At this stage, some movements

become formally organized at local and regional levels. (3) In the institutionalization or

bureaucratization stage, an organizational structure develops, and a paid staff (rather

than volunteers) begins to lead the group. When the movement reaches this stage, the

initial zeal and idealism of members may diminish as administrators take over

management of the organization. Early grassroots supporters may become disillusioned

and drop out? they may also start another movement to address some as-yet-unsolved

aspect of the original problem.