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 claiming that collective action arises because of people's 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 keynotes 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 target a narrow group of people.
Redemptive social movements
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 the 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 (concrete action is taken) around the problems outlined in the first stage.
Routinization/instituionalization
The final stage of a social movement, in which it is institutionalized and a formal structure develops to promote the cause.
Social movement organization (SMO)
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
A type of social movement organization that relies on high levels of community-based participation to promote social change. It lacks a hierarchical structure and works through existing political structures.
Premodernity
Social relations characterized by concentric circles of social affiliation, a low degree of division of labor, relatively undeveloped technology, and traditional social norms.
Modernity
Social relations characterized by rationality bureaucratization, 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 disjointed affiliations.