Social Movements and Collective Action (9B) - Psych & Soc

Identify the type of movement: seeks to change the entire society, not just a subgroup.

Revolutionary movement. Seeks complete transformation of social structures.
What is the free rider problem in collective action?

Individuals benefit from a public good without contributing to its production. Rational actors avoid costs while enjoying collective benefits.
Which term describes shared beliefs that justify and motivate a movement's goals?

Movement ideology. Coherent worldview provides rationale for action.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Coordinated group behavior aimed at achieving a shared political or social goal. Emphasizes shared goals and coordination among group members.
Identify the movement stage: participation declines and the movement ends or transforms.

Decline stage. Final stage through success, failure, co-optation, or repression.
What is an astroturf movement?

A seemingly grassroots effort that is actually organized by elites. Mimics grassroots appearance while being corporate or politically funded.
Identify the term for a movement seeking to fundamentally replace an existing social order.

Revolutionary movement. Aims to completely overthrow and rebuild social systems.
What is the bystander effect as applied to collective action participation?

Individuals are less likely to act when others are present. Presence of others reduces individual helping behavior.
What is a riot in the context of collective behavior?

A violent public disturbance by a crowd, often directed at people or property. Collective violence erupts from grievances or triggering events.
What is collective action?

Coordinated action by a group to pursue a shared interest. Groups work together toward common goals through organized efforts.
What is framing in social movement theory?

Shaping interpretation of issues to mobilize support and define grievances. Creates shared meanings through diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames.
Which concept best explains: people join a movement after seeing friends join on social media?

Social networks (network effects) facilitating mobilization. Peer influence through social ties reduces participation barriers.
What is group polarization in movement groups?

Group discussion shifts members toward more extreme initial positions. Like-minded groups amplify their shared viewpoints through discussion.
What is a grievance-based explanation of social movements?

Movements arise from perceived injustice or deprivation. Traditional view linking movements to feelings of unfairness or suffering.
What is relative deprivation as a cause of collective action?

Perceived disadvantage compared with others motivates protest and mobilization. Comparison to reference groups creates grievances that spur action.
What is a free rider in collective action?

A person who benefits from a public good without contributing to it. Creates the collective action problem by undermining group contributions.
What is groupthink as a decision-making risk in cohesive movement groups?

Pressure for consensus reduces critical evaluation of alternatives. Desire for harmony overrides rational decision-making.
What does new social movement theory emphasize?

Postindustrial movements focused on identity, culture, and quality of life. Contrasts with earlier class-based movements focused on material gains.
What does political process theory emphasize about movement emergence?

Political opportunities and institutional openness enable mobilization. External conditions matter more than internal grievances for timing.
What is political process (political opportunity) theory?

Movements grow when political opportunities and openings increase. Links movement emergence to favorable political conditions and elite divisions.
Which option best describes a new social movement (NSM) focus?

Identity, culture, and quality-of-life issues. Post-materialist values distinguish from economic movements.
What is relative deprivation theory?

Discontent from perceived gap between expectations and reality. Frustration arises from unmet expectations, not just poor conditions.
What is a selective incentive in collective action theory?

A benefit or cost applied only to contributors to encourage participation. Rewards or penalties target contributors to overcome free-riding.
What is a collective action frame?

Shared meaning that justifies and inspires collective action. Frames diagnose problems, propose solutions, and motivate participation.
What is a grievance in social movement research?

A perceived injustice or problem that motivates mobilization. Necessary but insufficient condition; requires resources to mobilize.
Which term describes adopting a movement's goals while rejecting its tactics or rhetoric?

Co-optation. Mainstream groups absorb ideas but dilute radical methods.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Group behavior aimed at achieving a shared goal or public good. Coordinated efforts where individuals work together despite personal costs.
Identify the movement type: seeks limited change to a specific policy or issue.

Reform movement. Works within system for incremental improvements.
What is the difference between relative and absolute deprivation?

Relative: perceived gap; absolute: lack of basic necessities. Relative compares to others; absolute measures objective conditions.
What is groupthink, and what is its key outcome in decision-making groups?

Desire for consensus suppresses dissent, producing poor or irrational decisions. Conformity pressure overrides critical thinking.
What is a free rider in the context of collective action?

A person who benefits from a public good without contributing. Exploits non-excludable nature of public goods.
Which type of movement aims for radical personal transformation of individuals?

Redemptive movement. Seeks total personal rebirth or spiritual transformation.
What is a social movement?

Organized, sustained collective effort to promote or resist social change. Differs from collective behavior by having structure and long-term goals.
What is the difference between civil disobedience and a riot?

Civil disobedience is nonviolent lawbreaking; riots are violent unrest. Key distinction is strategic nonviolence vs spontaneous violence.
What is the free rider problem in collective action?

Individuals may withhold effort because they can benefit without contributing. The free rider problem arises from rational choice theory, where individuals avoid costs of participation since benefits are shared regardless.
Identify the concept: a movement's demands are absorbed and neutralized by institutions.

Co-optation. Co-optation neutralizes movements by incorporating their elements into dominant institutions, diluting radical demands through assimilation.
What is the difference between a reform movement and a revolutionary movement?

Reform changes parts of a system; revolutionary replaces the entire system. Reform works within existing structures; revolutionary seeks total transformation.
Which concept best explains why a movement grows after a highly publicized crackdown?

Backlash (repression can increase mobilization). Repression can create martyrs and increase sympathy for cause.
What is a social movement?

Sustained, organized collective effort to promote or resist social change. Differs from spontaneous protests by having formal organization and persistence.
What does relative deprivation theory propose as a cause of collective action?

Perceived gap between expected and actual conditions motivates action. People compare their situation to others or their expectations.
What is a free rider in collective action?

A person who benefits from a public good without contributing to its provision. Free riders enjoy collective benefits without bearing costs.
Which option best describes a new social movement: economic redistribution or identity and quality-of-life issues?

Identity and quality-of-life issues. Focus on personal expression and lifestyle rather than class struggle.
What is a selective incentive in social movements?

A benefit or punishment that depends on whether an individual participates. Selective incentives motivate participation by linking personal gains or penalties directly to individual involvement in collective efforts.
What is resource mobilization theory of social movements?

Movements succeed by acquiring and deploying money, labor, media, and networks. Emphasizes tangible resources over grievances alone.
Identify the term for conforming because the group is seen as a source of accurate information.

Informational social influence. People follow others assumed to have better knowledge.
Which approach explains mobilization through shared meanings and identity (framing)?

New social movement theory. Post-materialist movements focused on identity over economics.
Identify the concept: A person supports a boycott but does not participate, expecting others will.

Free rider problem. Classic example of enjoying collective benefits without contributing effort.
What is the collective action problem?

Individuals may free-ride, reducing participation in public-good efforts. Rational actors avoid costs when they can gain benefits without participating.
What is a selective incentive, and what does it solve?

Targeted reward/punishment that reduces free-riding. Only contributors receive benefits, solving the free-rider problem.
What term describes the stage when a movement develops leadership and strategy?

Coalescence. Coalescence marks the transition to coordinated action, where leaders emerge to unify participants and develop tactical approaches.
What is diffusion of responsibility in group contexts?

Perceived personal obligation decreases when others are present. Shared responsibility dilutes individual accountability.
Which concept best explains why participation rises when only participants get a benefit?

Selective incentives (participation-linked rewards or penalties). Solves free rider problem by making benefits contingent on participation.
Identify the stage of a social movement characterized by formalization and professional leadership.

Bureaucratization (formalization) stage. Movement develops institutional structures and paid staff.
What is a revolutionary movement?

A movement seeking to overthrow and replace an existing system. Radical approach rejecting reform in favor of complete transformation.
Identify the concept: a loosely organized crowd acting on shared emotion.

Collective behavior. Spontaneous group action driven by emotion, not organization.
What is a selective incentive in collective action?

A benefit or penalty that depends on participation, used to reduce free riding. Creates individual-level motivations to overcome free riding.
What is collective efficacy in the context of collective action?

A shared belief that the group can achieve desired outcomes through action. Collective efficacy fosters participation by instilling confidence in the group's capacity to overcome obstacles and attain objectives.
What is a social movement in sociology?

A sustained, organized effort to promote or resist social change. Distinguishes from spontaneous protests by requiring persistence and structure.
What is relative deprivation as a cause of social movements?

Perceived disadvantage compared with others, motivating collective action. Feeling worse off than reference groups sparks mobilization.
What does the political process model emphasize in explaining social movements?

Political opportunities, mobilizing structures, and framing processes. Integrates structural factors with cultural and strategic elements.
What is deindividuation, and what does it tend to increase?

Loss of self-awareness in groups; increases impulsive and norm-driven behavior. Anonymity in crowds reduces self-regulation.
What is group polarization?

Group discussion strengthens the group's initial average position. Like-minded people become more extreme through interaction.
What is a selective incentive used to reduce free riding?

A benefit or punishment contingent on participation in the group effort. Rewards only participants receive, like solidarity benefits or material goods.
Which concept explains that people join movements when benefits exceed costs?

Rational choice theory (cost-benefit analysis). People weigh personal gains against costs before participating.
What is collective efficacy?

Shared belief that a group can achieve desired change. Group confidence in success increases likelihood of mobilization.
What is relative deprivation?

Perceived disadvantage compared with a reference group. Not absolute poverty but feeling worse off than others causes discontent.
What is the bystander effect as applied to protests or emergencies?

Helping decreases as the number of bystanders increases. Diffusion of responsibility reduces individual action.
What is framing in the context of social movements?

Shaping how an issue is defined to mobilize support. Strategic process of constructing meaning to recruit and motivate participants.
What is a counter-movement?

A movement organized in opposition to an existing movement. Mobilizes to defend status quo against progressive change.
What term describes the initial stage when people first recognize a social problem?

Emergence (incipient stage). The emergence stage involves initial awareness and discontent, setting the foundation for organized collective response to grievances.
What does the political process model emphasize about social movements?

Movements grow when political opportunities and alliances expand. External political context shapes movement emergence and success.
What is group polarization in movement-related group discussions?

Group discussion shifts attitudes toward more extreme positions. Like-minded people reinforce each other's views.
What is framing in social movements?

Shaping interpretations of issues to mobilize supporters. Strategic messaging defines problems and solutions.
What is an organized (bureaucratic) social movement organization (SMO)?

A formal group with leadership, rules, and division of labor. Hierarchical structure with specialized roles and procedures.
What is the bystander effect, and how does it relate to protest participation?

More observers reduce helping; diffusion of responsibility lowers action. Explains why individuals may not join protests despite supporting the cause.
Which concept best explains joining a protest because many peers are participating?

Bandwagon effect. Social proof and conformity pressure increase participation rates.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Coordinated group effort to pursue a shared goal or public good. Groups work together toward common objectives that benefit all.
What is the collective action problem?

Individuals free-ride, reducing participation in group-benefiting actions. Rational self-interest leads people to avoid costs while seeking benefits.
Which type of movement seeks limited change in specific laws or policies?

Reform movement. Works within existing system to modify specific aspects.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Action taken together to achieve a shared group goal. Groups coordinate efforts to accomplish common objectives.
Which type of social movement seeks to change specific laws or policies?

Reform movement. Targets specific aspects within existing system.
What is the free-rider problem in social movements?

People avoid costs while still receiving collective benefits. Rational choice to let others pay costs while sharing benefits.
Which type of social movement seeks to transform an entire social system?

Revolutionary movement. Aims for complete overthrow of existing order.
What is social movement spillover?

When one movement's tactics or frames influence other movements. Ideas and strategies diffuse across movement boundaries.
What is collective identity in a social movement?

A shared sense of "we-ness" among participants. Solidarity emerges from shared experiences and values.
What is a social movement?

Sustained collective action aimed at social or political change. Organized efforts over time to transform society or policies.
What is the free-rider problem in collective action?

Benefiting from a public good without contributing to its provision. Individuals gain benefits without participating in costs or efforts.
Which theory emphasizes money, leadership, and organization in movement success?

Resource mobilization theory. Views movements as rational actors needing resources to succeed.
What is the free-rider problem in collective action?

Benefiting from a public good without contributing to its cost. Creates disincentive for participation since benefits are non-excludable.
What is a deprivation model prediction: absolute deprivation or relative deprivation better predicts protest?

Relative deprivation better predicts protest. Comparison to others matters more than objective conditions.
What is a redemptive movement (vs an alternative movement)?

Redemptive: total change; alternative: limited change. Redemptive transforms individuals completely; alternative seeks partial change.
Which term best fits: rapid spread of protest tactics across regions via networks?

Diffusion (of social movements). Ideas and strategies spread through activist networks.
Identify the stage of a social movement characterized by rapid growth and public visibility.

Coalescence stage. Movement gains momentum, members, and media attention.
What does political process (political opportunity) theory emphasize?

Movements grow when political conditions create opportunities. External political factors create windows for action.
Identify the movement stage: supporters build organizations and recruit members.

Coalescence stage. Second stage where loose networks become formal organizations.
Which concept best explains why individuals join when they expect high impact: efficacy or diffusion of responsibility?

Efficacy. Belief in one's ability to make a difference motivates participation.
What is collective identity in a social movement?

A shared sense of "we-ness" that unites participants. Creates solidarity beyond individual interests through shared belonging.
Identify the term: rapid, widespread collective behavior driven by rumor and fear.

Mass hysteria (collective hysteria). Contagious anxiety spreads through groups without rational basis.
Identify the term for adoption of movement goals by institutions, reducing protest.

Co-optation. Neutralizes radical demands by incorporating moderate reforms.
What is collective action?

Group behavior aimed at achieving a shared goal or public good. Requires coordination among multiple actors to overcome individual limitations.
What is the main claim of resource mobilization theory?

Movements succeed by acquiring and deploying resources. Success depends on money, organization, and leadership more than grievances.
What is a social movement?

A sustained, organized collective effort to promote or resist social change. Requires sustained effort and organization, not just spontaneous action.
What is a grassroots movement organization?

A decentralized, locally based organization relying on community participation. Bottom-up organizing emphasizes local autonomy and participation.
Identify the term: "People follow group norms more strongly when group identity is salient."

Social identity theory. Group membership becomes central to self-concept and behavior.
What is group polarization in the context of movements and crowds?

Group discussion shifts attitudes toward more extreme positions in the group's direction. Risk-shift and repeated exposure amplify initial tendencies.
What is political process theory of social movements?

Movements emerge when political opportunities and mobilizing structures align. Highlights timing and structural factors in movement emergence.
Identify the concept: people are less likely to intervene when others are present.

Bystander effect. Responsibility dilutes across observers, reducing individual action.
Identify the term for protests and boycotts aimed at changing a policy without overthrowing a system.

Reform movement. Seeks incremental changes within existing structures.
What is an interest group (as contrasted with a social movement)?

An organized group seeking policy influence, often via lobbying. More formal and institutionalized than social movements.
What is the difference between a reform movement and a revolutionary movement?

Reform: change parts of system; revolutionary: replace system. Reform works within existing structures; revolutionary seeks total transformation.
What is the difference between normative and informational social influence?

Normative: fit in; Informational: accept others as a source of truth. Both drive conformity but through different psychological mechanisms.
What is a new social movement (NSM) typically centered on?

Identity, culture, and quality-of-life issues rather than primarily economic demands. New social movements address post-materialist concerns, emerging in advanced societies to advocate for rights and values beyond economic issues.
Identify the social movement type: It seeks limited change for everyone in society.

Reform movement. Works within existing system to modify specific policies or practices.
What is framing in social movements?

Shaping an issue's meaning to mobilize support and action. Strategic interpretation of events to resonate with supporters.
What is collective identity in a social movement?

A shared sense of "we-ness" that motivates and sustains participation. Group solidarity creates emotional bonds driving commitment.
What is the collective action problem?

Individuals free-ride because benefits are public, reducing participation. Public goods create incentive to let others bear the costs.
What is deindividuation, and how can it affect crowd behavior?

Loss of self-awareness in groups, increasing impulsive or norm-violating acts. Anonymity in crowds weakens self-control and social inhibitions.
What is framing in social movements?

Shaping interpretations to define problems and motivate action. Leaders construct narratives that resonate with potential participants.
What is a new social movement, in contrast to an old social movement?

Identity/culture-focused rather than primarily class/economic. Post-1960s movements emphasize lifestyle and recognition over material gains.
Identify the movement type: aims to preserve existing social arrangements and norms.

Reactionary movement. Resists change to maintain traditional social order.
What is the difference between a crowd and a mob?

A mob is a crowd that becomes emotional and potentially violent or destructive. Crowds lack emotion; mobs are emotionally charged.
What is an expressive movement (as a movement type)?

A movement focused on emotional expression or identity, not policy. Prioritizes personal meaning and belonging over instrumental goals.
What is the difference between a reform movement and a revolutionary movement?

Reform changes parts of society; revolutionary seeks to replace the system. Reform works within existing structures; revolutionary replaces them.
Which theory best fits this: a movement succeeds mainly due to money, staff, and networks?

Resource mobilization theory. Emphasizes material resources over grievances or opportunities.
What is resource mobilization theory of social movements?

Movements succeed by acquiring and deploying resources (money, labor, networks, expertise). Views movements as rational actors mobilizing tangible assets.
What is a grassroots movement?

A movement driven by ordinary community members rather than elites. Bottom-up organizing emphasizes local participation and leadership.
Identify the concept: a sudden, widespread, short-lived wave of enthusiasm.

Social craze (fad). Temporary collective enthusiasm without lasting impact.
What is a political opportunity structure?

Features of the political environment that facilitate or constrain activism. Includes elite divisions, allies, and state repression capacity.
What term describes the stage when a movement ends or declines substantially?

Decline (due to success, repression, co-optation, failure, or internal conflict). The decline stage occurs when movements achieve aims, face suppression, get integrated into systems, fail, or disintegrate internally.
Identify the social movement type: It seeks to change only specific individuals.

Alternative movement. Targets personal transformation rather than societal structures.
What is a new social movement (NSM) typically focused on?

Identity, culture, and quality-of-life issues rather than economic redistribution. Post-materialist values prioritize self-expression over material needs.
What is a reform movement?

A movement aiming to change specific laws or policies. Works within existing system to modify rather than overthrow it.
What is a selective incentive in collective action theory?

A benefit or penalty that depends on participation. Solves free rider problem by making benefits conditional on participation.
What term describes the stage when a movement becomes organized and bureaucratic?

Bureaucratization (formalization). Bureaucratization establishes formal structures and hierarchies, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in pursuing movement goals.
What does relative deprivation theory propose about protest and rebellion?

Perceived disadvantage versus others motivates collective action. Comparison with others' situations drives discontent.
What is a selective incentive in social movement participation?

A benefit or cost given only to contributors, not to nonparticipants. Overcomes free-riding by making benefits conditional on participation.
What is framing in social movements?

Shaping interpretations of issues to mobilize support and define meaning. Framing processes construct social realities, aligning grievances with movement goals to recruit participants and legitimize actions.
What is a free rider in the context of collective action?

A person who benefits from a good without contributing. They enjoy collective benefits while others bear the costs.
What is a redemptive movement?

A movement seeking radical personal transformation of members. Focuses on individual spiritual or moral transformation.
What is framing in social movements?

Shaping interpretations of issues to mobilize support and action. Strategic messaging defines problems and solutions to rally supporters.
Identify the social movement type: seeks to change norms for everyone (for example, civil rights).

Reform movement. Seeks partial change within existing system, not total transformation.
What is deindividuation and how can it affect collective action?

Reduced self-awareness in groups can increase impulsive or norm-violating behavior. Anonymity in crowds weakens personal restraints.
What is framing in social movement theory?

Shaping how issues are defined to mobilize supporters and legitimize action. Strategic messaging constructs meaning and motivates participation.
What is the collective action problem?

Rational individuals may free ride, reducing participation in group goals. Self-interest conflicts with group benefit, creating participation dilemmas.
Which type of social movement seeks limited change in individual behavior rather than institutions?

Alternative movement. Focuses on personal lifestyle changes, not systemic reform.
What is collective identity in a social movement?

A shared sense of "we-ness" that links members to the movement's goals. Shared identity motivates participation beyond individual interests.
What is a social movement in sociology?

Organized collective effort to promote or resist social change. Groups mobilize to challenge or defend existing social arrangements.
Identify the type of movement: seeks to preserve the status quo and resist change.

Reactionary movement. Opposes progressive changes to maintain traditional order.
What is a grassroots movement?

A bottom-up movement driven by local participants and communities. Emphasizes authentic community organizing versus elite-led efforts.
Identify the movement stage: tactics become institutionalized; goals shift to maintenance.

Bureaucratization stage. Movement becomes established but loses original radical energy.
What is the bystander effect as it relates to collective action?

Helping decreases as the number of observers increases (diffusion of responsibility). Each person assumes others will help, so no one acts.
Identify the social movement type: seeks to resist or reverse social change (for example, anti-suffrage).

Reactionary movement. Attempts to restore previous social arrangements or values.
What is resource mobilization theory of social movements?

Success depends on access to money, people, and organization. Emphasizes material resources as key to movement success.
What does resource mobilization theory emphasize about movement success?

Access to resources, organization, and networks drives success. Contrasts with grievance-based theories by focusing on practical capacity.
What is a mass movement (as a movement type)?

A large-scale movement seeking broad social change. Involves widespread participation across social groups, not just elites.
Which concept explains why people join movements when benefits are public but costs are personal?

Selective incentives. Private rewards motivate participation when benefits are shared.
Which term describes a movement strategy that uses nonviolent disruption to gain attention?

Civil disobedience. Peaceful law-breaking challenges unjust systems.
What is the difference between an active crowd and a casual crowd?

Active crowds share a goal; casual crowds co-occur without shared purpose. Active crowds mobilize for action; casual crowds gather without coordination.
Which term describes a large, organized effort to promote or resist social change?

Social movement. Organized collective efforts aim to create or prevent societal changes.
What is a social movement organization (SMO)?

A formal organization that coordinates and supports a movement's goals. Provides infrastructure and continuity beyond spontaneous action.
What are selective incentives in social movements?

Benefits or punishments that depend on participation in the movement. Overcomes free-riding by making benefits contingent on participation.
Identify the term: "Individuals are less accountable in a crowd, enabling action."

Deindividuation. Anonymity in crowds reduces self-awareness and restraint.
What does political process (political opportunity) theory emphasize in movement success?

Success depends on openings in the political environment. Timing matters when political systems become vulnerable.
Which term describes spontaneous collective behavior in response to an event (often emotional)?

Collective behavior. Unplanned group responses emerge from shared situations or emotions.
What is a counter-movement?

A movement organized to oppose the goals of another social movement. Reactive mobilization against progressive change.
What is a social movement?

A sustained, organized effort to promote or resist social change. Social movements involve persistent collective challenges to authorities or cultural beliefs to instigate or prevent transformations in society.
What does political process (political opportunity) theory emphasize?

Success depends on political opportunities and constraints in the state. External political context shapes movement opportunities.
What is the difference between a redemptive movement and an alternative movement?

Redemptive seeks total personal change; alternative seeks limited change. Redemptive transforms whole person; alternative modifies specific behaviors.
What is relative deprivation theory as a cause of collective action?

Perceived disadvantage compared with others motivates protest and mobilization. Feeling worse off than reference groups triggers collective action.
Identify the term for conforming to group behavior to gain approval during a movement event.

Normative social influence. People conform to fit in and avoid social rejection.
What is collective efficacy in the context of collective action?

Shared belief that the group can achieve desired outcomes. Group confidence in ability to succeed enables action.
What is framing in social movement theory?

Shaping interpretations of an issue to mobilize supporters and allies. Strategic communication constructs meaning and identity.
Identify the social movement type: It seeks radical change for the individual.

Redemptive movement. Focuses on total personal transformation, often through religious conversion.
What is the free rider problem in collective action?

Benefiting from a public good without contributing to its production. Rational choice to enjoy benefits while avoiding costs of participation.
What is a new social movement (NSM) typically centered on?

Identity, culture, and quality-of-life issues rather than class economics. Post-materialist values distinguish from traditional labor movements.
What is frame alignment?

Linking a movement's frame to individuals' beliefs to increase participation. Bridges movement goals with personal values and experiences.
What is a redemptive movement?

A movement seeking radical change in individuals, often with moral or spiritual aims. Redemptive movements emphasize personal transformation and redemption, often rooted in religious or ethical frameworks for individual renewal.
What is relative deprivation as a cause of collective action?

Perceived disadvantage compared with others, motivating protest. Feeling worse off than reference groups triggers mobilization.
Which outcome describes a movement achieving its goals and then ending its activity?

Success (goal attainment leading to decline/termination). Movement dissolves after accomplishing objectives.
What does resource mobilization theory emphasize as key to movement success?

Access to resources such as money, leadership, time, and organizational capacity. Resource mobilization theory posits that successful movements depend on effectively gathering and deploying tangible and intangible assets.
What does resource mobilization theory emphasize about social movements?

Success depends on access to resources, organization, and leadership. Contrasts with theories emphasizing grievances or spontaneous action.
Identify the concept: a movement uses slogans and narratives to define a problem and propose solutions.

Framing. Strategic communication shapes how issues are understood and acted upon.
What is a social movement organization (SMO)?

A formal organization that coordinates resources and strategy for a movement. SMOs provide structured frameworks for movements, facilitating resource allocation and strategic planning to advance collective objectives.
What is the bystander effect as it relates to group action?

Helping decreases as group size increases due to diffusion of responsibility. Each person assumes others will help, reducing individual action.
Which type of social movement aims to preserve the status quo and resist change?

Reactionary (conservative) movement. Opposes progressive changes to maintain tradition.
Which term describes a collective effort to promote or resist social change outside formal institutions?

Social movement. Organized efforts that challenge existing social structures from outside.
What is framing in social movements?

Shaping interpretations of issues to mobilize support. Strategic messaging creates shared understanding of grievances.
What is deindividuation, and why can it increase collective action intensity?

Reduced self-awareness and accountability can increase impulsive group behavior. Anonymity in crowds reduces inhibitions against extreme actions.
Choose the best term: a movement that seeks to preserve the status quo against change.

Reactionary movement. These movements resist progressive changes and defend traditional values.
What is the collective action problem?

Individuals free-ride because benefits are nonexcludable. Rational actors benefit without contributing since goods are shared.
What is a repertoire of contention?

The set of protest tactics a movement commonly uses in a society. Culturally available forms of protest shape movement strategies.
What is a social movement organization (SMO)?

A formal organization that coordinates movement activities. Structured groups that plan and execute movement strategies.
What term describes a person who benefits from a public good without contributing?

Free rider. Free riders exploit the non-excludable nature of public goods, gaining advantages from others' efforts without incurring personal costs.
What is the collective action problem?

Individuals free-ride because benefits are nonexcludable. Rational actors avoid costs when they can enjoy public goods anyway.
What is the free-rider problem in collective action?

Benefiting from a public good without contributing to it. People enjoy collective benefits without participating in costs.
What is a counter-movement?

A movement organized in opposition to another movement's goals. Emerges when original movement threatens established interests.
What is the difference between relative deprivation and absolute deprivation?

Relative is perceived inequality; absolute is objective lack of necessities. Relative is subjective comparison; absolute is objective poverty.
Identify the type of movement: aims to change individuals rather than society-wide structures.

Alternative movement. Focuses on personal transformation, not systemic change.
What is a New Social Movement (NSM)?

Postindustrial movement focused on identity, culture, and quality of life. Examples include environmental, LGBTQ+, and peace movements.
What is a redemptive movement?

A movement seeking radical change in individuals, often religious or moral. Focuses on personal transformation rather than societal change.
What is the bystander effect, and how does it relate to collective action?

More witnesses reduce helping; diffusion of responsibility lowers participation. Shared responsibility reduces individual action likelihood.
What is a counter-movement?

A movement organized to oppose the goals and tactics of another movement. Counter-movements arise in response to perceived threats from opposing groups, mobilizing to defend conflicting interests or ideologies.
What is a new social movement (NSM)?

A movement focused on identity, culture, and quality-of-life issues. Post-materialist values distinguish from class-based old movements.
What is the difference between absolute and relative deprivation?

Absolute: objective lack; Relative: perceived disadvantage vs others. Absolute is measurable poverty; relative is subjective comparison.
What is a selective incentive in social movements?

A benefit or cost available only to contributors, not free riders. Rewards exclusive to participants discourage free-riding behavior.
What is civil disobedience?

Nonviolent, public lawbreaking to protest an unjust law or policy. Moral authority comes from accepting legal consequences for principles.
What does resource mobilization theory emphasize about movement success?

Success depends on access to resources, organization, and leadership. Shifts focus from grievances to organizational capacity.
What is group polarization?

Group discussion strengthens members' initial attitudes toward extremes. Risk-shift and repeated exposure amplify initial positions.
What is a selective incentive used to reduce the free rider problem?

A benefit or cost applied only to contributors (not to nonparticipants). Creates exclusive rewards to motivate participation.
What is an astroturf movement?

A movement that appears grassroots but is organized or funded by elites. Mimics grassroots authenticity while concealing elite backing.
What is relative deprivation as a cause of social movements?

Perceived disadvantage compared with a reference group. Feeling worse off than others motivates collective action.
What is relative deprivation theory of social movements?

Perceived disadvantage versus expectations can trigger protest. People mobilize when reality falls short of what they believe they deserve.
What is diffusion of responsibility in large groups?

Responsibility is perceived as spread across others, reducing individual action. Each person assumes others will act, so no one takes responsibility.
Identify the social movement type: It seeks radical change of the entire society.

Revolutionary movement. Aims to overthrow existing social order and create new institutions.
What is a reactionary movement?

A movement seeking to return society to a prior state. Aims to restore traditional values or past conditions.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Coordinated group behavior to achieve a shared political or social goal. Requires coordination among multiple actors working toward common objectives.
Identify the social movement type: seeks radical, total change of society (for example, revolution).

Revolutionary movement. Aims to completely overthrow and replace existing social order.
What is the free rider problem in collective action?

Benefiting from a public good without contributing. Individuals enjoy collective benefits without participating in costs.
What is framing in social movements?

Strategically shaping interpretations of issues to mobilize support. Creates collective identity and defines problems, causes, and solutions.
Identify the theory: A movement grows after gaining funding, media access, and professional staff.

Resource mobilization theory. Emphasizes material resources over grievances in movement success.
What is a social movement in sociology?

A sustained collective effort to promote or resist social change. Organized efforts by groups seeking societal transformation over time.
Identify the type of movement: aims for limited change in a specific policy area.

Reform (reformative) movement. Works within system to modify specific laws or policies.
Which option best describes deindividuation in a large protest crowd?

Reduced self-awareness and restraint due to anonymity. Crowds provide anonymity that weakens personal inhibitions.
What is collective action?

Coordinated behavior by a group to pursue a shared goal. Groups act together when individual interests align with collective goals.
What is framing in the context of social movements?

Shaping interpretations to define problems and motivate action. Strategic communication constructs meaning to mobilize supporters.
Which term describes a movement focused on changing specific policies or laws?

Reform movement. Reform movements target incremental adjustments within existing systems, focusing on specific legal or policy reforms without systemic overhaul.
Which concept best explains reduced personal responsibility in groups during emergencies?

Diffusion of responsibility. Each person assumes others will act, so no one takes responsibility.
What is relative deprivation theory as applied to social movements?

Perceived disadvantage versus expectations can motivate collective action. Gap between what people have and what they think they deserve drives action.
What is a selective incentive in collective action theory?

A benefit or punishment that motivates contribution to the group. Overcomes free-riding by making benefits conditional on participation.
What is group polarization in the context of movement groups?

Group discussion shifts members toward more extreme positions. Like-minded groups become more extreme through discussion.
What is political process (political opportunity) theory?

Movements grow when political opportunities open. Elite divisions or regime weakness create windows for mobilization.
What is the difference between an in-group and an out-group?

In-group: "us" identity; out-group: "them" comparison group. Social identity creates boundaries between groups.
Which theory argues movements arise when political conditions create opportunities?

Political process (political opportunity) theory. Emphasizes timing and political context enabling mobilization.
What is a selective incentive in the context of collective action?

A benefit or punishment that depends on individual participation. Overcomes free-riding by making rewards contingent on contribution.
What is the difference between a public good and a private good?

Public: nonexcludable and nonrival; private: excludable and rival. Key distinction: ability to exclude and whether use depletes the good.
Which theory explains movements as rational cost–benefit decisions to act?

Rational choice theory. Views participation as calculated decisions weighing personal costs vs benefits.
What is absolute deprivation?

Objective lack of basic resources needed for survival or well-being. Absolute deprivation refers to the tangible scarcity of essentials, contrasting with relative forms that involve perceptions of inequity.
What does relative deprivation theory propose about why people join movements?

Perceived disadvantage compared with others motivates collective action. Gap between expectations and reality drives mobilization.
Which type of movement aims to change individuals rather than social structures?

Alternative movement. Focuses on personal behavior change, not systemic reform.
What is a countermovement in the study of social movements?

A movement organized to oppose the goals or tactics of another movement. Reactive mobilization creates movement-countermovement dynamics.
What is the tragedy of the commons in group behavior?

Overuse of shared resources due to individual self-interest. Self-interest leads to depletion of common resources.
What is collective behavior in sociology?

Unstructured group action not guided by formal rules or institutions. Spontaneous actions like riots or fads that emerge without formal coordination.
What is a social movement?

Sustained collective effort to promote or resist social change outside formal institutions. Operates through grassroots organizing rather than official channels.
What is the collective good (public good) in collective action theory?

A nonexcludable benefit available to all, regardless of individual contribution. Cannot exclude non-contributors from enjoying benefits.
Which term describes a movement seeking to preserve existing social arrangements?

Conservative movement. Conservative movements defend traditional values and structures against perceived threats, aiming to maintain the status quo.
What is the free rider problem in collective action?

Individuals benefit from a public good without contributing. Classic dilemma where rational self-interest undermines collective goals.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Coordinated action by people to pursue a shared goal. Groups work together toward common objectives through organized efforts.
What is political process theory of social movements?

Movements grow when political opportunities and mobilizing structures align. Combines structural factors with agency in explaining movement emergence.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Coordinated group behavior aimed at achieving a shared political or social goal. Emphasizes unified efforts toward common objectives.
What is deindividuation and how can it affect behavior in crowds?

Reduced self-awareness increases impulsive, norm-driven behavior. Anonymity in crowds weakens individual restraints.
What is a grassroots movement?

A movement driven by broad, bottom-up participation rather than elites. Authentic popular mobilization versus top-down organization.
What is resource mobilization theory of social movements?

Movements succeed by acquiring and deploying resources. Emphasizes money, leadership, and organization as key factors.
Which type of movement seeks to change the entire society rather than a part of it?

Revolutionary movement. Aims for complete societal transformation, not partial reform.
What is a social movement organization (SMO)?

A formal organization that works to advance a social movement's goals. SMOs provide structure and resources to advance movement objectives.
What is collective efficacy as used in social movement contexts?

Shared belief that the group can achieve desired change. Collective confidence in group's ability to succeed.
What is collective action in the context of social movements?

Coordinated group behavior aimed at achieving a shared political or social goal. This definition captures the essence of collective action as purposeful, group-based efforts to effect change in societal structures or policies.
Identify the correct sequence of stages in the social movement life cycle.

Emergence → coalescence → bureaucratization → decline. Movements evolve from spontaneous to organized to institutionalized.
What is relative deprivation as a cause of collective action?

Perceived disadvantage compared with others that motivates protest or action. Relative deprivation theory explains mobilization through subjective feelings of injustice when comparing one's situation to reference groups.
What is a reactionary movement?

A movement seeking to return to a previous social order. Conservative response opposing progressive changes and modernization.
What is a moral panic?

Widespread fear that a group or behavior threatens societal values and safety. Media amplifies perceived threats, creating disproportionate concern.
What is the difference between a reform movement and a revolutionary movement?

Reform changes parts; revolutionary replaces the entire system. Reform works within; revolutionary overthrows existing structures.
What is the bystander effect and how can it relate to collective action?

More observers reduce helping due to diffusion of responsibility. Individual responsibility dilutes in larger groups.
What is an alternative movement?

A movement seeking limited change in individuals rather than broad social change. Alternative movements promote behavioral changes in targeted populations, such as lifestyle shifts, without pursuing widespread societal reform.
Which term describes a movement seeking to reverse recent social changes?

Reactionary movement. Reactionary movements respond to progressive changes by advocating a return to previous social orders or norms.
What is the framing process in social movements?

Shaping interpretations of issues to mobilize support and define problems. Strategic meaning-making helps recruit participants and justify action.
What is deindividuation, and what does it typically increase in crowds?

Reduced self-awareness; increased impulsive or norm-driven behavior. Anonymity in crowds reduces personal accountability.
What is the diffusion of responsibility, and how does it affect protests?

Individuals feel less responsible in groups, reducing intervention. Bystander effect weakens individual action in collective settings.
What is group polarization, and what does it predict about activist groups?

Group discussion shifts attitudes toward more extreme initial positions. Risk-shift phenomenon can radicalize moderate groups over time.
What are selective incentives in social movements?

Benefits or punishments that motivate participation and reduce free-riding. Private rewards/costs overcome public good dilemma.
What does political process (political opportunity) theory emphasize?

Movements grow when political conditions create opportunities for change. Political process theory highlights how shifts in political environments, like elite divisions, enable movements to mobilize and pursue goals.
What is a political opportunity structure?

Features of the political environment that facilitate or constrain movements. Includes elite divisions, allies, and state repression levels.
What does political process (political opportunity) theory emphasize about movements?

Movements grow when political opportunities open and repression or constraints shift. External political conditions create windows for action.
Which concept best explains why a movement grows after a widely publicized injustice?

Framing (a compelling injustice frame increases mobilization). Effective frames diagnose problems and motivate action.
What is political process (political opportunity) theory?

Movements grow when political conditions create opportunities for change. External political shifts enable movements to gain traction.
What is diffusion of responsibility in group contexts?

Reduced personal obligation to act when responsibility is shared. Group size dilutes individual sense of duty to act.
What does framing theory explain in social movements?

How leaders shape meaning to mobilize support (diagnostic/prognostic/motivational). Strategic messaging constructs shared understanding and motivation.
What is relative deprivation theory of social movements?

Perceived disadvantage compared with others motivates collective action. Gap between expectations and reality creates frustration driving action.
What does resource mobilization theory emphasize as key to movement success?

Access to resources such as money, labor, organization, and media. Material and organizational assets enable effective mobilization.
What is framing in the context of social movements?

Shaping interpretations of issues to mobilize support and action. Strategic communication constructs meaning to resonate with audiences.
Which term describes a movement aiming to replace an entire social system?

Revolutionary movement. Revolutionary movements seek fundamental restructuring of societal institutions, often through radical means to establish new power structures.

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