Which of the following statements about a social movement are correct…

Which of the following statements about a social movement are correct?

(A) A social movement requires sustained collective action over time.
(B) Its collective action is often directed against the state, demanding changes in state policy or practice.
(C) Spontaneous, disorganised protest can also be called a social movement.
(D) Its participants have shared objectives and ideologies.
(E) Its defining features remain constant over the course of its life.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → A, B and D only

(A) A social movement requires sustained collective action over time. — Correct. Sustained collective action over time is the first mark of a social movement.

(B) Its collective action is often directed against the state, demanding changes in state policy or practice. — Correct. Such action is often aimed at the state. It takes the form of demanding changes in state policy or practice.

(C) Spontaneous, disorganised protest can also be called a social movement. — Incorrect. The feature is reversed. Spontaneous, disorganised protest cannot be called a social movement, because collective action must have some degree of organisation.

(D) Its participants have shared objectives and ideologies. — Correct. People who take part in a social movement share objectives and ideologies.

(E) Its defining features remain constant over the course of its life. — Incorrect. The defining features of a social movement are not constant. They may change over the course of its life.

NCERT (2026-27): “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.”