Compare and contrast moderate and radical SMOs. Be sure to address the internal structure, ideology, tactics, communication, and assessment of success of each type of SMO.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Radical SMOs have nonhierarchical leadership, membership based on indigenous status or involvement in the movement, and tend to be egalitarian and participatory in nature. Moderate SMOs have a hierarchical internal structure, formal bureaucracy, and focus on developing a large membership base for resource generation. Radical SMOs focus on structural change, flexible ideology, radical networks, and global consciousness. Moderate SMOs have a reform ideology, emphasize working within the current political system, and have a national focus. Radical SMOs use nonviolent direct action, mass action, and innovative tactics, while moderate SMOs' tactics tend to be nonviolent legal actions. Radical SMOs are often ignored or vilified by mainstream media and have to rely on alternate channels of messaging, whereas moderate SMOs have less trouble getting (favorable) media coverage. Finally, radical SMOs assess their success in terms of contribution to the larger radical agenda, and drawing the focus and surveillance of power structures. Thus, they may be intentionally short-lived. Moderate SMOs measure their success in terms of reforming the current political/economic system and their staying power.