Question

Write short note.

Characteristics of social movements

Answer 1

The characteristics of social movements are as follows:

1. Essentially collective in nature: Social movement is not an individual action. It involves a collective action. A group collectivity has to be part of the movement.
2. Planned and deliberate action: Social movement has to be preplanned to be executed effectively. It is a deliberate initiative. It is not spontaneous in nature.
3. Ideology and objectives: Social movement is backed by an ideology. The ideology guides the course of the movement. It has a set of objectives to fulfil. 
4. Social change: Social movement is oriented towards bringing about a change. It usually demands change in the already established order or resists change initiated by the authorities.