Chapter 21 - Social Movements and Social Change

Mass

A relatively large group with a common interest, even if the group members may not be in close proximity. A relatively large and dispersed number of people with a common interest, whose members are largely unknown to one another and who are incapable of acting together in a concerted way to achieve objectives. The audience of the television show Game of Thrones or of any mass medium (TV, radio, film, books) is a mass.

Public

An unorganized, relatively diffuse group of people who share ideas. A relatively diffused group of people who share ideas on an issue, such as social conservatives.

Acting Crowds

Crowds of people who are focused on a specific action or goal. Ex: Protest movement or riot.

Conventional Crowds

People who come together for a regularly scheduled event. Ex: religious services.

Casual Crowds

People who share close proximity without really interacting. Ex: People standing in line at the post office.

Social Movement Sector

The multiple social movement industries in a society, even if they have widely varying constituents and goals.

Lifeworld

The shared inter-subjective meanings and common understandings that form the backdrop of our daily existence and communication.

How does alienation lead to misery?

1. Others - ex: technological advancements, innovation and loneliness. 2. Meaningful world - ex: no ownership to mode of production. 3. Our active selves - ex: feelings of powerlessness and apathy.

Social Change

The change in a society created through social movements as well as through external factors like environmental shifts or technological innovations.

Digital Divide

The increasing gap between the technological have and have-nots.

What is the role of sociology regarding social movements and social change?

The different disciplines offer different tools to deal with real life issues. The strength of sociology is to empower the individual to think beyond the him/herself and look at the forces beyond the individual. Solutions can only be sought when these "forces" are identified. It is only then that change is possible.

Social Movement Industry

The collection of the social movement organizations that are striving toward similar goal.

What are the three kinds of frames successful social movements utilize?

1) Diagnostic framing - states the social movement problem in a clear, easily understood way. There is not "grey" area of framing - its what is wrong and how to fix it. 2) Prognostic framing - offers a solution and states how it'll be implemented. Can have several ideas about sanctioning, regulations or impositions. Many frames may compete. 3) Motivational framing - is the call to action. What should you do once you agree with the diagnostic frame and believe in the prognostic frame. They are action oriented.

How can sociology bring about social change?

1. It can raise awareness on what the issues are and how to analyze them. 2. It offers a realistic view of the world and allows us to understand the functions of social institutions and consequences of social costs while acknowledging the interest of the powerful. Ex: Defending for sustainable consumption is good, but understand that the government is at the mercy of operations, foreign investors and other stakeholders. 3. Provide research agendas on how to shed better light on social issues and to provide more clarity. Ex: Five reasons why we do research.

Why do we do research?

1. To gather data on something that has little information. 2. Explain relationships between two phenomenon. 3. To provide possible solutions regarding social problems. 4. Evaluate social policies on particular issues. 5. Refine or test existing theories.

Motivational Framing

A call to action.

Crowd

A fairly large number of people sharing close proximity. They include a group of people attending a concert, tailgating at a football game, or attending a worship service. There are four types of crowds: casual, conventional, expressive and acting.

Value-Added Theory

A functionalist perspective that posits that several preconditions must be in place for collective behaviour to occur. Meticulous categorization of crowd behaviour is a perspective based on the idea that several conditions must be in place for collective behaviour to occur and each condition adds to the likelihood that collective behaviour will occur. Condition #1 is structural conduciveness which describes when people are aware of the problem and have the opportunity to gather, ideally in an open area. Condition #2 is structural strain and refers to people's expectations about the situation at hand being unmet, causing tension and strain. Condition #3 is growth and spread of a generalize belief, wherein a problem is clearly identified and attributed to a person or group. Condition #4 are precipitating factors spur collective behaviour and this is the emergence of a dramatic event. Condition #5 is mobilization for action which leaders emerge to direct a crowd to action. Condition #6 is social control, relating to action by the agents and is the only way to end the collective behaviour episode. While value-added theory addresses the complexity of collective behaviour, it also assumes that such behaviour is inherently negative or disruptive. In contrast, collective behaviour can be non-disruptive.

Flash Mob

A large group of people who gather together in a spontaneous activity that lasts a limited amount of time. Technology plays a big role in the creation: select people are texted or emailed, and the message spreads virally until a crowd has grown. But while technology might explain the "how" of flash mobs, it does not explain the "why." Flash mobs often are captured on video and shared on the internet; frequently they go viral and become well-known. Why is this appealing? In large part, it is as simple as the reason humans have bonded together around fires for storytelling, or danced together, or joined a community holiday celebration. Humans seek connections and shared experiences. And a flash mob provides a way to make that happen.

Collective Behaviour

A non-institutionalized activity in which several people voluntarily engage. Other examples of collective behavior can include a group of commuters traveling home from work to the trend toward adopting the Justin Bieber hair flip. It can be any group behavior that is not mandated or regulated by an institution. There are four primary forms of collective behavior: the crowd, the mass, the public, and social movements. They can also be identified in two other ways: a mass or a public.

Emergent Norm Theory

A perspective that emphasizes the importance of social norms in crowd behaviour. Developed by sociologists Turner and Killian, they believe that the norms experienced by people in a crowd may be disparate and fluctuating. They emphasize the importance of these norms in shaping crowd behavior, especially those norms that shift quickly in response to changing external factors. The theory asserts that, in this circumstance, people perceive and respond to the crowd situation with their particular (individual) set of norms, which may change as the crowd experience evolves. This focus on the individual component of interaction reflects a symbolic interactionist perspective. The process begins when individuals suddenly find themselves in a new situation, or when an existing situation suddenly becomes strange or unfamiliar. Once individuals find themselves in a situation ungoverned by previously established norms, they interact in small groups to develop new guidelines on how to behave. According to this perspective, crowds are not viewed as irrational, impulsive, uncontrolled groups. Norms develop and accepted as they fit the situation. While this theory offers insight into why norms develop, it leaves undefined the nature of norms, how they come to be accepted by the crowd, and how they spread through the crowd.

Social Movement

A purposeful group hoping to work toward a common social goal. These groups might be attempting to create change (Occupy Wall Street, Arab Spring), to resist change (anti-globalization movement), or to provide a political voice to those otherwise disenfranchised (civil rights movements). Social movements create social change. A four stage process has been laid out: 1) Preliminary stage - become aware of the issue and leaders emerge. 2) Coalescence stage - people join together and organize in order to publicize the issue and raise awareness. 3) Institutionalization stage - the movement no longer requires grassroots volunteerism. Its an established organization, typically peopled with paid staff. 4) Decline stage - when people fall away, adopt a new movement, successfully brings change it sought, or people no longer take the issue seriously.

Social Movement Organization

A single social movement group.

Assembling Perspective

A theory that credits individuals in crowds as behaving as rational thinkers and views crowds as engaging in purposeful behaviour and collective action. This theory refocuses attention from collective behavior to collective action. Collective behavior is a non-institutionalized gathering, whereas collective action is based on a shared interest. Identifies various circumstances of convergent and collective behaviour: Convergence Clusters - family and friends who travel together (Carpooling parents) Convergent Orientation - group all facing the same direction (Semi-circle around a stage) Collective Vocalization - sounds or noises made collectively (Screams on a roller coaster) Collective Gesticulation - body parts forming symbols (YCMA dance) Collective Manipulation - objects collectively moved around (holding signs at a protest rally) Collective Locomotion - the direction and rate of movement to the event (Children running to an ice cream truck)

Frame/Framing Theory

A way in which experience is organized conceptually. Entering a fancy restaurant provides a frame behaviour template. A sleepover party provides another. Framing theory focuses on the way social movements make appeals to potential supporters by framing or presenting their issues in a way that aligns with commonly held values, beliefs, and commonsense attitudes. Sociologists have developed the concept of frames to explain how individuals identify and understand social events and which norms they should follow in any given situation. Social movements must actively engage in realigning collective social frames so that the movements' interests, ideas, values, and goals become congruent with those of potential members. The movements' goals have to make sense to people to draw new recruits into their organizations.

What can lead to social change?

Any disruptive shift in the status quo, be it intentional or random, human-caused or natural. Changes to technology, social institutions, population, and the environment, alone or in some combination, create change.

Expressive Crowds

Crowds that share opportunities to express emotions.

What does destructive conflict lead to?

Destructive conflict such as war, genocide, etc., leads to: 1) Physical harm towards people - killing. 2) Physical harm to the environment - property, land and air. 3) Hate and anger - racism. 4) Broken relationships - refugees (micro level). 5) Future violence - war perpetuating war.

How does socialization lead to misery?

Examples can be taken regarding the agents of socialization regarding gender roles. 1. Failed inadequate socialization such as resources devoted to boys over girls. 2. Misdirected socialization into the wrong directions creating stereotypes about women. 3. Unobtainable, impossible or confusing expectations about beauty ideals, thinness, etc.

How does social media assist with social movements?

In the preliminary stage people become aware of an issue and leaders emerge. Social media speeds this step up. A twitter alert can attract thousands of folders about its cause and issue awareness spreads speedily with people across the globe becoming informed at the same time. Tech savvy people emerge as leaders and you don't need a powerful public speaker, they don't have to leave home. The coalescence stage is where people join and get organized. A campaign can use twitter and online tools to engage volunteers not normally interested in politics and empower those who were more active to generate more activity. Geographical boundaries were not an issue. Social media increases participation, and the cost is lower than the cost of engagement. Less risk and you can like or retweet from home safety. Social media is a weak-tie. People follow or friend others they have never met. Online acquaintances are a source of info and inspiration, but the lack of engaged contact limits the level or risk people will take on their behalf.

Reform Movements

Movements that seek to change something specific about the social structure. Ex: Examples include anti-nuclear groups, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Revolutionary Movements

Movements that seek to completely change every aspect of society. Ex: These would include Cuban 26th of July Movement (under Fidel Castro), the 1960s counterculture movement, as well as anarchist collectives.

Resistance Movements

Movements that seek to prevent or undo change to the social structure. Ex: KKK and pro-life movements.

Redemptive Movements

Movements that work to promote inner change or spiritual growth in individuals, "meaning seeking". Ex: Organizations pushing these movements might include Alcoholics Anonymous, New Age, or Christian fundamentalist groups.

Alternative Movements

Social movements that limit themselves to self-improvement changes in individuals. Specific changes to individual beliefs and behaviour. Ex: These include groups like the Slow Food movement, Planned Parenthood, and barefoot jogging advocates.

What is argued for the reason as to why new social movements are designated as new?

The commonality is the way in which they respond to systematic encroachments on the lifeworld, the shared inter-subjective meanings and common understandings that form the backdrop of our daily existence and communication. The dimensions of existence that were formerly considered private (e.g., the body, sexuality, interpersonal affective relations), subjective (e.g., desire, motivation, and cognitive or emotional processes), or common (e.g., nature, urban spaces, language, information, and communicational resources) are increasingly subject to social control, manipulation, commodification, and administration.

How would the critical perspective look at social change and social movements?

The critical perspective focuses on the creation and reproduction of inequality. Someone applying the conflict perspective would likely be interested in how social movements are generated through systematic inequality, and how social change is constant, speedy, and unavoidable. In fact, the conflict that this perspective sees as inherent in social relations drives social change.

How does the functionalist perspective look at social change and social movements?

The functionalist perspective looks at the big picture, focusing on the way that all aspects of society are integral to the continued health and viability of the whole. A functionalist might focus on why social movements develop, why they continue to exist, and what social purposes they serve. On one hand, social movements emerge when there is a dysfunction in the relationship between systems. On the other hand, when studying social movements themselves, functionalists observe that movements must change their goals as initial aims are met or they risk dissolution.

Modernization

The process that increases the amount of specialization and differentiation of structure in societies resulting in the move from an undeveloped society to developed, technologically driven society. The level of modernity within a society is judged by the sophistication of its technology, particularly as it relates to infrastructure, industry, and the like.

How would the symbolic interactionist perspective study social change and social movements?

The symbolic interaction perspective studies the day-to-day interaction of social movements, the meanings individuals attach to involvement in such movements, and the individual experience of social change. An interactionist studying social movements might address social movement norms and tactics as well as individual motivations. Some may develop through a feeling of deprivation or discontent, but people might actually join social movements for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with the cause. They might want to feel important, or they know someone in the movement they want to support, or they just want to be a part of something.

What is social change?

The transformation of culture, public polity and/or social institutions over time. The weight of history and the forces of dominant groups present great inertia to change; real the stabilizing forces that sustain inequality. Change is possible but need to recognize where and how change can happen. Change is constant but occurs at different rates. It depends on social power. It arises from social conflict. Its likely to happen when existing conditions support it. And it dependent on social trends. Social patterns may persist despite of change. Its hard to reach the ivory tower.

New Social Movement Theory

Theory that attempts to explain the proliferation of postindustrial and post modern movements that are difficult to understanding using traditional social movement theories. Focuses on the unique qualities that define the "newness" of postmaterialist social movements like the Green, feminist, and peace movements. The appeal of the NSM also tends to cut across traditional class, party politics, and socioeconomic affiliations to politicize aspects of everyday life traditionally seen as outside politics. They are more flexible, diverse, shifting, and informal in participation and membership than the older social movements, often preferring to adopt nonhierarchical modes of organization and unconventional means of political engagement (such as direct action).

Resource Mobilization Theory

Theory that explains social movements' success in terms of their ability to acquire resources and mobilize individuals. Focuses on the purposive, organizational strategies that social movements need to engage in to successfully mobilize support, compete with other social movements and opponents, and present political claims and grievances to the state. Grievances don't become social movements unless social movement action are able to create viable organizations, mobilize resources, and attract large-scale followers. People weigh options and make rational choices about which movements to follow. They compete for our attention and each other. To be successful they must develop the organizational capacity to mobilize resources and compete with other organizations to reach their goals. Resource mobilization theory is a way to explain a movement's success in terms of its ability to acquire resources and mobilize individuals to achieve goals and take advantage of political opportunities. Similar organizations constitute a social movement industry, and multiple social movement industries even with different goals constitute a society's social movement sector. Every social movement organization (single group) within the sector is competing for attention, time and resources.

What are the causes of misery?

Within society there is destructive social conflict, conditions of alienation, agents of socialization, and social problems such as crime or sexual assault. These all can lead to human misery.

Frame Alignment Process

Using bridging, amplification, extension and transformation as an ongoing and intentional means or recruiting participants to a movement. When social movements link their goals to the goals of other social movements and merge into a single group, a frame alignment process occurs—an ongoing and intentional means of recruiting a diversity of participants to the movement. This frame alignment process involves four aspects: bridging, amplification, extension, and transformation. Bridging describes a "bridge" that connects uninvolved individuals and unorganized or ineffective groups with social movements that, though structurally unconnected, nonetheless share similar interests or goals. These organizations join together creating a new, stronger social movement organization. In the amplification model, organizations seek to expand their core ideas to gain a wider, more universal appeal. By expanding their ideas to include a broader range, they can mobilize more people for their cause. In extension, social movements agree to mutually promote each other, even when the two social movement organization's goals do not necessarily relate to each other's immediate goals. This often occurs when organizations are sympathetic to each others' causes, even if they are not directly aligned. Transformation involves a complete revision of goals. Once a movement has succeeded, it risks losing relevance. If it wants to remain active, the movement has to change with the transformation or risk becoming obsolete.

Prognostic Framing

When social movements state a clear solution and a means of implementation.

Diagnostic Framing

When the social problem is stated in a clear, easily understood manner.

What is the difference between a mass and a public?

While similar, they are not. Members of a mass share interests whereas members of a public share ideas.