Describe the key assumptions of the resource mobilization theory

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Resource mobilization theory focuses on the ability of members of a social movement to acquire resources and mobilize people in order to advance their cause. Resources include money, people's time and skills, access to the media, and material goods such as property and equipment.

Assistance from outsiders is essential for social movements. For example, reform movements are more likely to succeed when they gain the support of political and economic elites. Resource mobilization theory is based on the assumption that participants in social movements are rational people. Movements are formed and dissolved, mobilized and deactivated, based on rational decisions about the goals of the group, available resources, and the cost of mobilization and collective action. Resource mobilization theory also assumes that participants must have some degree of economic and political resources to make the movement a success.