Social movement is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → sustained collective action
Option (1) absence of any degree of organisation — Incorrect. This is the opposite of what a movement needs: collective action must be marked by some degree of organisation. Without any organisation, people cannot keep acting together over time for a shared aim.
Option (2) sustained collective action — Correct. A social movement requires sustained collective action over time, that is, many people acting together, again and again, for a shared aim. Such action is often directed against the state and takes the form of demanding changes in state policy or practice.
Option (3) necessarily include a leadership — Incorrect. The organisation of a movement may include a leadership and a structure that defines how members relate to each other and take decisions. A leadership is possible, not a necessary condition.
Option (4) disorganised protest — Incorrect. Spontaneous, disorganised protest cannot be called a social movement; an outburst that comes and goes lacks the sustained and organised action a movement needs.
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.…” |