Define social movements as a form of collective behavior, and explain the conditions under which they are most likely to emerge

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Although collective behavior is short-lived and relatively unorganized, social movements

are longer lasting, are more organized, and have specific goals or purposes. A social

movement is an organized group that acts consciously to promote or resist change

through collective action. Because social movements have not become institutionalized

and are outside the political mainstream, they offer "outsiders" an opportunity to have

their voices heard. Social movements are more likely to develop in industrialized

societies than in preindustrial societies, where acceptance of traditional beliefs and

practices makes such movements unlikely. Diversity and a lack of consensus

(hallmarks of industrialized nations) contribute to demands for social change, and

people who participate in social movements typically lack power and other resources to

bring about change without engaging in collective action. Social movements are most

likely to appear when people come to see their personal troubles as public issues that

cannot be solved without a collective response. Social movements are most commonly

directed at the government, but other social institutions may also be the targets of social

movements.