Weekly Objectives

Discuss sociological theories (Resource Mobilization) of social movement success.
Apply sociological theories (Resource Mobilization) of social movement success.

Week 7 Overview

Alternative Theories

While Stewart provides us with criteria or characteristics of social movements, he leaves many unanswered questions. So, over the next few weeks, we will discuss two psychological theories of social movement membership (mass society and rational choice), two community theories (collective identity and mobilization contexts), and at least one sociological theory (resource mobilization).

These approaches provide a new understanding of social movements and a new vocabulary for describing social movement activism.

The psychological theories help us answer the question, Why do people join SM/Os?

The community theories help us answer the question, How do SM/Os create a group identity?

The sociological theories help us answer the question, Why are some SM/Os successful (while others aren’t)?

Learning Pathway

Read NYT – “Nervous Corporate Sponsors Retreat From New York Pride”
Read KEEPYOURPRIDE.org
Read The Solutions Project (Organization Homepage)
Read change.org TikTok Activism (How to…)