HIST-2050 1-1 DISCUSSION: DEFINING SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

INTRODUCTION TO HIST-2050 1-1 DISCUSSION

This HIST-2050 1-1 Discussion involves defining social movements, providing examples, comparing your definition with course resources, discussing the role of leaders, and evaluating the success of social movements. Additionally, you will respond to two classmates’ postings by applying and evaluating their definitions.

How would you define social movements?

Defining Social Movements

• Define social movements as organized, collective efforts aiming to promote or resist societal changes based on shared beliefs and ideals.

Example

Social movements can be defined as organized, collective efforts by groups of people who aim to promote or resist change in society based on shared beliefs and ideals. These movements typically emerge in response to perceived injustices or societal needs, seeking to influence public opinion, policies, or societal norms through various forms of advocacy and action (Selvanathan et al., 2020). The core of a social movement is its pursuit of social change, whether through reformative or transformative approaches, relying on mobilization of resources, creation of alliances, and implementation of strategic actions to achieve desired outcomes.

Provide an example of a social movement and explain how it fits your definition.

Example Of Social Movement

• Provide an example of a social movement that fits your definition.

Example

An example that fits this definition is the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. The movement sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and secure legal recognition and federal protection of the citizenship rights enumerated in the Constitution and federal law (Shannon & Hunter Jr, 2020). It was characterized by strategic leadership, nonviolent protest, and mass mobilization, epitomizing an organized effort to bring about social change in accordance with the shared beliefs and ideals of equality and justice.

Is your definition the same or different from the definition provided in this week’s resources?

Comparison With Course Readings

• Discuss similarities or differences between your definition and the course materials.

Example

Comparing this definition to the one provided in this week’s resources, there may be similarities or differences based on the emphasis on aspects such as the role of ideology, the methods employed, and the scale of change envisioned. Resources often highlight the dynamics within movements, including the role of technology, transnational impacts, or the socio-economic contexts that shape them, which might expand or focus the definition differently.

What role do leaders of social movements play?

Role Of Leaders In Social Movements

• Discuss the roles of leaders as strategists, motivators, and symbols of the movement.

Example

Leaders in social movements play critical roles as strategists, spokespersons, motivators, and symbols of the movement. They are instrumental in shaping the movement’s goals, tactics, and public image, and in mobilizing and sustaining the participation of members (Giugni & Grasso, 2022). Effective leaders are able to navigate challenges, adapt strategies, and maintain the cohesion and morale of the group.

How can you tell if a social movement is successful?

Evaluating The Success Of Social Movements

• Explain how to measure the success of a movement through policy changes, public opinion shifts, or societal impact.

Example

The success of a social movement can be measured by its ability to achieve its objectives, whether through policy changes, shifts in public opinion, or changes in social practices. However, success can also be seen in the movement’s capacity to influence future activism, contribute to the political education of its participants, and reshape societal values, even if immediate objectives are not fully achieved. Thus, the impact of a social movement can be both immediate and long-term, affecting various levels of society in complex ways.

REFERENCES

Giugni, M., & Grasso, M. (2022). Social Movements. In P. Harris, A. Bitonti, C. S. Fleisher, & A. S. Binderkrantz (Eds.), The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Interest Groups, Lobbying and Public Affairs (pp. 1213–1221). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44556-0_98 

Selvanathan, H. P., Lickel, B., & Dasgupta, N. (2020). An integrative framework on the impact of allies: How identity‐based needs influence intergroup solidarity and social movements. European Journal of Social Psychology, 50(6), 1344–1361. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2697 

Shannon, J. H., & Hunter Jr, R. J. (2020). The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Beyond Race to Employment Discrimination Based on Sex: The’Three Letter Word’That Has Continued to Vex Society and The United States Supreme Court. Journal of Social and Political Sciences, 3(3). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3649409 

Respond to two or more of your classmates’ postings. Response 1: The course textbook was published in 2004. Identify one social movement since then and apply your classmate’s definition to it. Does the definition work? Why or why not? Be specific. Response 2: Given your classmate’s definition of a social movement, discuss whether the movement has been successful. Be specific.

RESPONSES

• Respond to two classmates’ postings by applying their definitions to a recent social movement and discussing the movement’s success.

Response 1

One significant social movement since 2004 is the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which began in 2013. Applying my classmate’s definition, which emphasizes collective efforts to address societal issues, the BLM movement aligns well with this framework. The movement organizes around the values of racial justice and police reform, using both grassroots activism and larger-scale protests to press for change. This definition works effectively for BLM because it captures the essence of a decentralized, yet coordinated, campaign to influence societal norms and policies concerning racial inequality and systemic injustice. The definition is apt as it encapsulates the movement’s dynamic use of digital platforms to mobilize, educate, and create spaces for collective action and dialogue, which are central to its method of effecting change.

Response 2

Evaluating the success of the #MeToo movement based on my classmate’s definition, which likely emphasizes achieving specific goals through collective action, the movement has been markedly successful. Launched into the global spotlight in 2017, #MeToo has significantly shifted public discourse and attitudes towards sexual harassment and assault, particularly in the workplace. This movement has led to tangible changes, such as stricter policies against harassment in corporate and entertainment industries, and has empowered individuals to come forward with their experiences. These outcomes align well with the definition’s focus on achieving change through shared efforts and advocacy. The movement’s success is evident not only in policy changes and raised awareness but also in the ongoing cultural shift towards greater accountability and support for victims of sexual misconduct.

CLOSING

By following these Owlisdom guidelines for HIST-2050 1-1 Discussion, you will effectively define social movements, illustrate them with relevant examples, compare definitions, analyze leadership roles, and evaluate their success. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough understanding of social movements and enhances your analytical skills in assessing their impact. You can also read HIST-2050 complete modules to ace the course!