Explanation
Social movements are sustained, goal-oriented campaigns that emerge when groups seek to influence policies, institutions, or public consciousness. Examples include the Civil Rights Movement, feminist movements, environmental activism, and LGBTQ+ rights campaigns. Movements often use a combination of protest, lobbying, education, and media to advocate for change.
Theoretical Reference
Studied in Sociology of Social Change and Political Sociology, social movements are also key to Resistance Studies and theories of deviance.