Explain the relative deprivation theory of social movements. ...

[CQXA]

Explain the relative deprivation theory of social movements.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the stages of development common to many social movements.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[verrinzo]

Answer to Question 1

According to relative deprivation theory, people who are satisfied with their present

condition are less likely to seek social change. Social movements arise as a response to

people's perception that they have been deprived of their fair share.. Thus, people

who suffer relative deprivation are more likely to feel that change is necessary and to

join a social movement in order to bring about that change. Relative deprivation refers

to the discontent that people may feel when they compare their achievements with

those of similarly situated persons and find that they have less than they think they

deserve. Movements based on relative deprivation are more likely to occur when an

upswing in the standard of living is followed by a period of decline, such that people

have unfulfilled rising expectationsnewly raised hopes of a better lifestyle that are

not fulfilled as rapidly as the people expect or are not realized at all.

Answer to Question 2

There appear to be identifiable stages in virtually all movements that succeed beyond

their initial phase of development. (1) In the preliminary (or incipiency) stage,

widespread unrest is present as people begin to become aware of a problem. At this

stage, leaders emerge to agitate others into taking action. (2) In the coalescence stage,

people begin to organize and to publicize the problem. At this stage, some movements

become formally organized at local and regional levels. (3) In the institutionalizatio n or

bureaucratization stage, an organizational structure develops, and a paid staff (rather

than volunteers) begins to lead the group. When the movement reaches this stage, the

initial zeal and idealism of members may diminish as administrators take over

management of the organization. Early grassroots supporters may become disillusioned

and drop out they may also start another movement to address some as-yet-unsolved

aspect of the original problem.