Out of the following which is not a feature of a Social Movement?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → They arise in defence of status quo

Option (1) They arise in defence of status quo — Not a feature of a social movement (Correct). Social movements usually arise to bring about changes on a public issue. It is counter movements that sometimes arise in defence of the status quo: when Raja Rammohun Roy campaigned against sati, the defenders of sati formed the Dharma Sabha and petitioned the British not to legislate against it.

Option (2) Participants have shared ideological objectives — A feature of a social movement (Incorrect). Those taking part in a social movement have shared objectives and ideologies, which give the movement its general orientation towards change.

Option (3) It requires sustained collective action — A feature of a social movement (Incorrect). A social movement requires sustained collective action over time. A spontaneous, disorganised protest that dies out quickly is not a social movement.

Option (4) Has a leadership and a structure — A feature of a social movement (Incorrect). Collective action must have some degree of organisation, which may include a leadership and a structure that defines how members relate to each other and take decisions.

NCERT (2025-26): “8.1 Features of a Social Movement … A social movement requires sustained collective action over time. Such action is often directed against the state and takes the form of demanding changes in state policy or practice. Spontaneous, disorganised protest cannot be called a social movement either. Collective action must be marked by some degree of organisation. This organisation may include a leadership and a structure that defines how members relate to each other, make decisions and carry them out. Those participating in a social movement also have shared objectives and ideologies. A social movement has a general orientation or way of approaching to bring about (or to prevent) change. These defining features are not constant. They may change over the course of a social movement’s life. Social movements often arise with the aim of bringing about changes on a public issue, such as ensuring the right of the tribal population to use the forests or the right of displaced people to settlement and compensation. Think of other issues that social movements have taken up in the past and present. While social movements seek to bring in social change, counter movements sometimes arise in defence of status quo. There are many instances of such counter movements. When Raja Rammohun Roy campaigned against sati and formed the Brahmo Samaj, defenders of sati formed Dharma Sabha and petitioned the British not to legislate against sati.…”