Working class movements in the capitalist west were wresting better wages, better living conditions, social security, free schooling and health security from the state. That was also a period when socialist movements were establishing new kinds of states and societies. The old social movements clearly saw reorganisation of power relations as a central goal. The old social movements functioned within the frame of political parties. The Indian National Congress led the Indian National Movement. The Communist Party of China led the Chinese Revolution. Today some believe that ‘old’ class-based political action led by trade unions and workers’ parties is on the decline. Others argued that in the affluent West with its welfare state, issues of class-based exploitation and inequality were no longer central concerns. So the ‘new’ social movements were not about changing the distribution of power in society but about quality-of-life issues such as having a clean environment.
New social movements are not just about ‘old’ issues of economic inequality. Nor are they organised along class lines alone. Identity politics, cultural anxieties and aspirations are essential elements in creating social movements and occur in ways that are difficult to trace to class-based inequality. Often, these social movements unite participants across class boundaries.
If an organization launches a campaign against increasing air pollution, this reflects:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A new social movement focused on environmental concerns.
Option (1) A new social movement focused on environmental concerns. — Correct. The new social movements are not about changing the distribution of power but about quality-of-life issues such as having a clean environment. A campaign against rising air pollution is one such issue.
Option (2) A decline in mass participation. — Incorrect. A campaign brings people together; new movements often unite participants across class boundaries.
Option (3) A revival of party-led class politics — Incorrect. Party-led class politics belongs to the old social movements, which worked within political parties. An organisation’s campaign on pollution is neither party-led nor about class.
Option (4) An issue limited to working-class groups. — Incorrect. Polluted air affects everyone, and new social movements are not organised along class lines alone.
NCERT (2025-26): “Distinguishing the new social movement from the old social movements … Others argued that in the affluent West with its welfare state, issues of class-based exploitation and inequality were no longer central concerns. So the ‘new’ social movements were not about changing the distribution of power in society but about quality-of-life issues such as having a clean environment.…” “Distinguishing the new social movement from the old social movements … New social movements are not just about ‘old’ issues of economic inequality. Nor are they organised along class lines alone. Identity politics, cultural anxieties and aspirations are essential elements in creating social movements and occur in ways that are difficult to trace to class-based inequality. Often, these social movements unite participants across class boundaries.…” |