Question

Write short note.

Causes of social movements

Answer 1

The causes of social movements are as follows:

1. Cultural drift: A cultural drift may imply rapid change in values, ideas and expectations in society. When the gap between what is expected and what is accepted widens beyond the permissible range, conflict emerges in society. It results in the possibility of a social movement.
2. Social disorganisation: Different processes of change may lead to uneven and unequitable growth in society. New norms can clash with the already established norms. Co-existence of old as well as new norms can lead to a sense of confusion.
3. Perceived social injustice: When a group of people develop a sense of dissatisfaction and discontent towards certain decisions taken by the authority, they feel frustrated and unhappy. It can result in a sense of social injustice, eventually culminating into a movement. 
4. Rigidity in the normative structure: Every society lays down a set of norms suitable to its members. Behaviour patterns have to match with the normative structure of society. However, in some cases the norms lose their flexibility and do not match with expectations of people.