Social Movements: Nature, Causes, and Impact on Social Change

Question 1

**How do social movements bring about social change? Provide specific examples to support your analysis.**

Accepted Answer

Social movements can lead to significant social change, such as the abolition of slavery, the establishment of civil rights, and the protection of the environment.

Answer

Social movements primarily focus on raising awareness, with limited tangible outcomes.

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Social movements solely address economic inequalities, ignoring other social issues.

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Social movements inevitably have negative consequences for society.

Question 2

What is a defining characteristic of social movements?

Accepted Answer

They emerge in response to perceived injustice or inequality

Answer

They have a highly structured organization with clear leadership

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They have a short-term duration and specific, attainable objectives

Question 3

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Collective action aimed at bringing about social change or maintaining the status quo

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Economic stability

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Individualistic pursuits

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Formal political institutions

Question 4

Which theoretical approach emphasizes the significance of grievances and relative deprivation in driving social movements?

Accepted Answer

Collective Behavior Theory

Answer

Resource Mobilization Theory

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New Social Movement Theory

Answer

Political Process Theory

Question 5

What is a key distinction between old and new social movements?

Accepted Answer

Focus on post-materialist values (e.g., environmentalism, social justice) versus materialist concerns (e.g., economic equality, labor rights)

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Leadership structure

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Size and scope

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Resource mobilization strategies

Question 6

Which tactic is commonly associated with political process theory?

Accepted Answer

Lobbying efforts and electoral participation

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Grassroots organizing

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Nonviolent resistance

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Direct action and protests

Question 7

What is the primary objective of social control agents in their interaction with social movements?

Accepted Answer

Preserving social order and stability

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Encouraging social change

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Promoting dialogue and compromise

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Supporting marginalized populations

Question 8

Explain the concept of 'frame alignment' in the context of social movements.

Accepted Answer

Tailoring the movement's message to resonate with the values and beliefs of target audiences to gain support

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Forming alliances with other organizations

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Gaining media attention

Question 9

Which of the following is a potential outcome of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Social change or reinforcement of existing social structures

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Economic decline

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Increased social stability

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Political upheaval

Question 10

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Collective action directed towards social change

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Established political institutions

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Individualistic actions seeking personal gain

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Sporadic and unorganized demonstrations

Question 11

Who is associated with the concept of 'new social movements'?

Accepted Answer

Jürgen Habermas

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Max Weber

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Karl Marx

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Émile Durkheim

Question 12

What form of collective action involves nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience?

Accepted Answer

Civil disobedience

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Insurrection

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Revolution

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Social protest

Question 13

Which factor can contribute to the emergence of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

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Economic prosperity

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Political stability

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Cultural homogeneity

Question 14

What is the ultimate goal of a social movement?

Accepted Answer

To effect social change

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To enhance the economic status of members

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To acquire political power

Question 15

What is a strategy often employed by social movements to gain visibility and support?

Accepted Answer

Mobilization

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Negotiation

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Lobbying

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Litigation

Question 16

What is the term for the process in which social movements become more established and integrated into society?

Accepted Answer

Co-optation

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Radicalization

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Demobilization

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Revolution

Question 17

Which of the following is a prominent contemporary social movement addressing environmental concerns?

Accepted Answer

Environmentalism

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Civil rights movement

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Feminism

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Labor movement

Question 18

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with social movements?

Accepted Answer

Well-defined structure and hierarchy

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Shared goals

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Political objectives

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Collective action

Question 19

According to the theory of resource mobilization, social movements:

Accepted Answer

Can emerge when resources and opportunities are favorable.

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Require charismatic leaders to be successful.

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Are solely driven by emotional factors and grievances.

Question 20

Which of the following is considered a key characteristic of 'new social movements'?

Accepted Answer

Focus on identity politics and cultural issues

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Emphasis on class struggle and economic inequality

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Primarily rural and working-class base

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Clear ideological alignment with traditional political parties

Question 21

The concept of 'political opportunity structure' in social movement theory refers to:

Accepted Answer

The degree of openness and responsiveness of the political system to change

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The level of social inequality and economic disparities in a society

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The size and organizational capacity of a social movement

Question 22

Which of the following is a commonly employed tactic by social movements?

Accepted Answer

Lobbying and advocacy

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Acts of violence and terrorism

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Economic sabotage and property destruction

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Assassination and targeted killings

Question 23

A potential positive outcome associated with social movements is:

Accepted Answer

Social and political change in response to societal needs

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Exacerbation of economic inequalities and social divisions

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Weakening of democratic institutions and erosion of civil liberties

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Increased political corruption and abuse of power

Question 24

The concept of 'collective identity' is significant in social movements because it:

Accepted Answer

Fosters a sense of belonging, purpose, and solidarity among participants

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Prevents internal conflicts and ensures unity within the movement

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Guarantees the ultimate success and achievement of the movement's goals

Question 25

A common challenge faced by social movements includes:

Accepted Answer

Limited access to funding and resources

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Overwhelming public support and sympathy

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Abundant financial resources and unlimited support

Question 26

The study of social movements is considered significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides insights into social change, political processes, and collective action

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Predicts the future course of events with certainty

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Eliminates all forms of social injustice and inequality

Question 27

Define a key characteristic of social movements.

Accepted Answer

Collective action aimed at social transformation

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Formal structures with defined hierarchies

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Exclusively driven by political objectives

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Transient phenomena with minimal impact

Question 28

According to resource mobilization theory, which aspect is crucial for social movement success?

Accepted Answer

Resource accessibility

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Charismatic leadership

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Extensive membership

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Compelling messaging

Question 29

Identify the primary goal of the framing process in social movements.

Accepted Answer

Shaping public perception of the movement

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Resolving internal conflicts

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Securing resources

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Predicting movement outcomes

Question 30

Which social movement is primarily dedicated to environmental protection?

Accepted Answer

Greenpeace

Answer

Women's suffrage movement

Answer

Anti-war movement

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Civil rights movement

Question 31

According to the theory of relative deprivation, a key factor contributing to social movements is:

Accepted Answer

Perceived disparity between aspirations and reality

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Resource scarcity

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Governmental oppression

Answer

Social estrangement

Question 32

Differentiate between social movements and social organizations based on their key attributes.

Accepted Answer

Social movements are less structured, issue-specific entities, while social organizations are more formal and permanent.

Answer

Social movements are inherently political; social organizations are not.

Question 33

Provide an example of a countermovement.

Accepted Answer

Anti-abortion movement

Answer

Environmental movement

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Labor movement

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Civil rights movement

Question 34

What fundamental characteristic distinguishes social movements from other forms of collective action?

Accepted Answer

Collective action oriented toward achieving specific societal transformations

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Small, isolated gatherings of individuals

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Organizations dedicated to preserving the current social order

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Individual efforts to address personal concerns

Question 35

According to resource mobilization theory, which factor is crucial for the success of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Access to financial and non-financial resources

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Extensive media coverage

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Overwhelming public support

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Exceptional leadership

Question 36

Which movement exemplifies the characteristics of a 'new' social movement?

Accepted Answer

Environmentalism

Answer

Women's suffrage movement

Answer

Labor movement

Answer

Civil rights movement

Question 37

What is the overarching purpose of social movement organizations (SMOs)?

Accepted Answer

To advocate for and facilitate societal change

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To fulfill the personal aspirations of their members

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To deliver social services to marginalized communities

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To generate profit for their own organizations

Question 38

Which of the following is a potential result of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Policy changes reflecting the demands of the movement

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Weakened social institutions and reduced social cohesion

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Increased social inequality and economic disparities

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Decreased political participation and decreased voter turnout

Question 39

How does social media impact contemporary social movements?

Accepted Answer

It enhances communication, facilitates mobilization, and raises public awareness

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It suppresses dissent, restricts participation, and exacerbates marginalization

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It amplifies harmful ideologies, spreads misinformation, and undermines critical thinking

Question 40

Which criticism has been leveled against social movement theory?

Accepted Answer

Overemphasizing individual agency while neglecting broader social structures and systemic factors

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Lack of rigorous empirical research and over-reliance on qualitative methodologies

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Bias towards Western contexts, overlooking social movements in non-Western societies

Question 41

What is the significance of 'framing' in social movements?

Accepted Answer

It refers to how social movements define, interpret, and present issues to the public

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It involves the use of social media platforms to disseminate information and mobilize support

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It is the process of recruiting new members and expanding the movement's reach

Question 42

Which factor poses a significant challenge to the success of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Government repression and suppression of dissent

Answer

Access to adequate financial and organizational resources

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Strong and effective leadership within the movement

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Widespread public support and sympathy

Question 43

Describe the relationship between social movements and social change.

Accepted Answer

Social movements can both initiate and be shaped by broader social transformations

Answer

Social movements inevitably lead to comprehensive and lasting social change

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Social movements are irrelevant to social change and have no impact on societal structures

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of social movements?

Accepted Answer

They are always formally organized with established leadership.

Answer

They often challenge existing power structures.

Answer

They involve collective action aimed at social change.

Question 45

The 'resource mobilization theory' suggests that social movements are most likely to succeed when they have:

Accepted Answer

Access to resources such as money, organizational infrastructure, and communication networks.

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A charismatic leader who can inspire followers.

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Strong emotional ties and shared personal experiences.

Question 46

The 'new social movements' of the late 20th century differed from earlier movements by focusing primarily on:

Accepted Answer

Issues related to identity, culture, and lifestyle.

Answer

Political reform and democracy.

Answer

Economic inequality and worker rights.

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of a 'frame' used by social movements to mobilize support?

Accepted Answer

The 'environmental justice' movement framing climate change as a threat to human health and well-being.

Answer

The use of marches and protests to raise awareness of an issue.

Question 48

The 'Black Lives Matter' movement exemplifies the power of social media to:

Accepted Answer

Facilitate collective action and spread awareness.

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Replace traditional forms of activism.

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Ensure the success of any social movement.

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Eliminate the need for formal organization.

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of social movements?

Accepted Answer

Increased social cohesion and unity.

Answer

Increased political participation.

Answer

Social unrest and instability.

Answer

Social change and policy reform.

Question 50

The 'suffragette movement' in the early 20th century aimed to achieve:

Accepted Answer

Women's right to vote.

Answer

Improved access to education for women.

Answer

Equal pay for women.

Answer

Legal recognition of women's property rights.

Question 51

Which of the following is a key factor that influences the success or failure of a social movement?

Accepted Answer

The level of support from the public and government institutions.

Answer

The use of violent tactics.

Answer

The size of the movement.

Question 52

The concept of 'collective identity' is important for social movements because it helps to:

Accepted Answer

Mobilize members and create a sense of shared purpose.

Answer

Ensure the movement's success.

Answer

Reduce the risk of conflict within the movement.

Question 53

Social movements are often characterized by a combination of 'contentious politics' and:

Accepted Answer

Social construction of meaning and collective action.

Answer

Formal organization and hierarchical leadership.

Answer

Economic interests and material demands.