Which of the following are characteristic of Social Movements?
(A) Ideology, sustained action, social change
(B) Organisation, leadership, campaigns
(C) Collective action, spontaneity, protest
(D) Ideology, organisation, leadership
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (A), (B), (D) only
(A) Ideology, sustained action, social change Correct. A social movement requires sustained collective action over time; its members share objectives and ideologies, and it has a general orientation to bring about (or to prevent) change.
(B) Organisation, leadership, campaigns Correct. Collective action must be marked by some degree of organisation, which may include a leadership and a structure for taking decisions. Movements carry their aims to the public through campaigns, as reformers campaigned against sati and for widow remarriage.
(C) Collective action, spontaneity, protest Incorrect. Collective action and protest are part of a movement, but spontaneity is not: spontaneous, disorganised protest cannot be called a social movement.
(D) Ideology, organisation, leadership Correct. All three are defining features: shared ideologies, organisation and the leadership that this organisation may include.
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.…” |