"A social movement is a loosely organized effort by a large group of people to achieve a particular goal, typically a social or political one."
Changes in ideas, beliefs and values in politics and their social impact such as women's rights movements, civil rights movements, labor rights movements, LGBTQIA+ movements, and more.
Ideologies: The overarching beliefs and values that guide social and cultural movements, such as communism, liberalism, fascism, or anarchism.
Revolution: The violent or non-violent overthrow of a government or social order, such as the French Revolution, the Chinese Cultural Revolution, or the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.
Civil Rights: The struggle for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or identity, such as the African American Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Rights Movement, or the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement.
Nationalism: The belief in the superiority and uniqueness of one's ethnic, cultural, or national identity, which can lead to political and social movements, such as Pan-Africanism, Zionism, or European ethno-nationalism.
Colonialism: The domination and exploitation of one country by another, often through violent means, such as the colonization of the Americas, Africa, or Asia by European powers.
Imperialism: The extension of a country's power and influence through military, economic, and cultural means, such as the colonization of India by Great Britain or the global expansions of the United States and Soviet Union.
Globalization: The interconnection and interdependence of cultures, economies, and societies across the world, leading to the emergence of new social and cultural movements, such as the anti-globalization movement or the global feminist movement.
Postcolonialism: The cultural, political, and economic struggles of previously colonized countries and peoples to assert their independence and identity, such as the Indian Independence Movement or the African decolonization movements.
Environmentalism: The concern for and protection of the natural environment, often leading to political and social movements, such as the Green Movement or the anti-nuclear movement.
Socialism: The political and economic theory advocating for collective ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, such as the Soviet Union or the Cuban Revolution.
Civil Rights Movement: This movement aimed to secure equal rights and protections for African Americans and other minorities. It began in the 1950s and 60s, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. leading nonviolent protests and civil disobedience.
Women's Rights Movement: This movement was based on the principle of gender equality and sought to end discrimination against women in various aspects of life, including employment, education, and political representation. It began in the 19th century and is considered to have been successful with the achievement of women's suffrage and the Equal Rights Amendment.
LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: This movement is focused on securing legal protections and equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. It arose in response to discrimination and violence that this community has faced, with key figures like Harvey Milk campaigning for greater visibility and acceptance.
Anti-War Movement: This movement aimed to end U.S. involvement in various military conflicts around the world, including the Vietnam War. It was characterized by large-scale protests, including the infamous Kent State shootings.
Environmental Movement: This movement has given rise to a number of organizations and campaigns aimed at protecting and preserving the natural world. It has included efforts to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and combat climate change.
Black Lives Matter Movement: This movement aims to bring attention to and combat systemic racism and violence against Black individuals. It began in response to racist police violence and has spread to include other forms of racial injustice.
Socialist Movement: This movement advocates for a more equitable and just society through collective ownership and control of resources and production. It has included various socialist parties and organizations, as well as major reforms like the New Deal.
Anti-Fascist Movement: This movement seeks to combat fascist ideologies and prevent the rise of far-right political movements. It has involved antifa and other activist groups engaging in direct action against fascist groups and events.
Indigenous Rights Movement: This movement advocates for recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous people around the world. It has included efforts to defend tribal sovereignty, secure land rights, and preserve traditional cultures.
Disability Rights Movement: This movement seeks to address disability discrimination and secure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. It has included efforts to improve accessibility in housing, education, and employment, and promote disability rights legislation.
"Social movements have been described as 'organizational structures and strategies that may empower oppressed populations to mount effective challenges and resist the more powerful and advantaged elites'."
"Political science and sociology have developed a variety of theories and empirical research on social movements."
"Some research in political science highlights the relation between popular movements and the formation of new political parties as well as discussing the function of social movements in relation to agenda setting and influence on politics."
"Some scholars have argued that modern Western social movements became possible through education (the wider dissemination of literature) and increased mobility of labor due to the industrialization and urbanization of 19th-century societies."
"It is sometimes argued that the freedom of expression, education, and relative economic independence prevalent in the modern Western culture are responsible for the unprecedented number and scope of various contemporary social movements."
"Many of the social movements of the last hundred years grew up, like the Mau Mau in Kenya, to oppose Western colonialism."
"Social movements have been and continue to be closely connected with democratic political systems."
"Occasionally, social movements have been involved in democratizing nations, but more often they have flourished after democratization."
"Modern movements often use technology and the internet to mobilize people globally."
"Adapting to communication trends is a common theme among successful movements."
"Research is beginning to explore how advocacy organizations linked to social movements in the U.S. and Canada use social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action."
"Sociologists distinguish between several types of social movement examining things such as scope, type of change, method of work, range, and time frame."
"Over the past 200 years, they have become part of a popular and global expression of dissent."
"Some scholars have argued that modern Western social movements became possible through education (the wider dissemination of literature)..."
"Many of the social movements of the last hundred years grew up, like the Mau Mau in Kenya, to oppose Western colonialism."
"Research is beginning to explore how advocacy organizations linked to social movements in the U.S. and Canada use social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action."
"Social movements have been described as 'organizational structures and strategies that may empower oppressed populations to mount effective challenges and resist the more powerful and advantaged elites'."
"Some scholars have argued that modern Western social movements became possible through... increased mobility of labor due to the industrialization and urbanization of 19th-century societies.
"Modern movements often use technology and the internet to mobilize people globally."