Sociology Chapter 18

collective action

action that takes place in groups and diverges from the social norms of the situation

convergence theory

theory of collective action stating that collective action happens when people with similar ideas and tendencies gather in the same place

contagion theory

theory of collective action cliaming that collective action arises because of the peoples tendency to conform to the behavior of others with whom they are in close contact

emergent norm theory

theory of collective action emphasizing the influence of keynoters in promoting particular norms

social movement

collective behavior that is purposeful, organized and institutionalized but not ritualized

alternative social movements

social movements that seek the most limited societal change and often targer a narrow group of people

redemptive social movement

social movements that target specific groups but advocate for more radical social change

reformative social movements

social movements that advocate for limited social change across an entire society

revolutionary social movements.

social movements that advocate the radical reorganization of society

classical model

model of social movements based on a concept of structural weakness in society that results in the psychological disruption of individuals

resource-mobilization theory

model of social movements that emphasizes political context and goals but also states that social movements are unlikely to emerge without necessary resources.

political process model

model of social movements that focuses on the structure of political opportunities. when these are favorable to a particular challenger, the chances are better for the success of a social movement led by this challenger

emergence

the first stage of a social movement, occurring when the social problem being addressed is first identified.

coalescence

the second stage of a social movement, in which resources are mobilized around the problems outlined in the first stage.

routinization or institutionalization

the final stage of a social movement in which it is institutionalized and a formal structure develops to promote the cause

social movement organization

a group developed to recruit new members and coordinate participation in a particular social movement; smos also often raise money, clarify goals and structure participation in the movement

grassroots organization

type of social movement organization that relies on high levels of community based participation to promote social change. it lacks a hierarchial structure and works through existing political structures.

premodernity

social relations characterized by concentric circles of social affiliation , a low degree of division labor relatively undeveloped technology and traditional social norms

modernity

social relations characterized by rationality, bureaucrazation, and objectivity as well as individuality created by nonconcentric but overlapping group affiliations.

postmodernity

social relations characterized by a questioning of the notion of progress and history, the replacement of narrative with pastiche and multiple, perhaps even conflicting identities resulting from disjoined affiliations.