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Do you know what is the secret weapon for successful social movements?
The role of social movements in promoting social change is unquestionable, and one of the key factors is resource mobilization. Resource mobilization theory emerged in the 1970s, emphasizing that the success of social movements lies in how to effectively obtain and use various resources, including time, money, and skills. This theory views social movements as rational social institutions whose members carefully calculate and assess the costs and benefits of participating in activities before making decisions on action. This article will delve into the various dimensions of resource mobilization and how they contribute to the success of social movements.
Resource mobilization emphasizes the importance of acquiring the right resources and using them in the right way at the right time.
The Foundations of Resource Mobilization Theory
The core of resource mobilization theory is that a professional group participates in social movement organization and is committed to raising funds, supporters, and attracting media attention. The organizational structure of this group is particularly important, as it must be able to effectively communicate the ideas of social change to every member. When the problem is faced by most people, the movement has a foundation.
Resource mobilization theory differs from traditional collective behavior theory, which considers social movements to be deviant and irrational, while resource mobilization theory considers them to be rational actions.
Resource Classification
According to Edwards and McCarthy’s classification, social movement organizations can use the following five resources:
- Moral resources: such as support, legitimacy, and sympathy, which are relatively difficult to obtain and maintain.
- Cultural resources: Contains knowledge for developing specific skills, such as how to hold a protest or press conference.
- Social organization resources: Social organizations established specifically to amplify the movement's message.
- Physical resources: include money and physical capital such as offices and equipment.
- Human resources: Human resources with labor, experience and skills.
The efficiency of an organization’s infrastructure is a critical resource because it improves the overall operational effectiveness of a social movement.
Challenges to resource mobilization theory
Although resource mobilization theory occupies an important position in social movement research, it also faces criticism. Critics point out that the theory fails to adequately explain the formation of social movement communities, and that the networks around these communities also play a key role in the success or failure of the movement. Furthermore, many groups with limited resources are still able to successfully promote social change, which also challenges the limitations of resource mobilization theory.
Historical Case Studies
Civil Rights Movement
Taking the American civil rights movement as an example, scholar Aldon Morris believes that the success of the civil rights movement lies in the mobilization and organization of its leaders. For example, leaders such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, together with organizations such as the NAACP, SCLC, SNCC, and CORE, successfully mobilized resources to form a powerful social movement force.
MoveOn.org
MoveOn.org is a typical social movement organization. Its platform allows people to sign or start petitions, making full use of the concepts in resource mobilization theory because the website itself is an accessible resource that helps people to gather strength. Working towards a common goal.
Arab SpringThe Arab Spring also demonstrated the importance of resource mobilization. Amid relentless government crackdowns in Tunisia, social media has become a key vehicle for delivering messages of social action, helping to inspire movements for social change across borders.
Relationship between resource mobilization and other theories
The relationship between resource mobilization theory and framework theory has gradually attracted the attention of scholars. The study found that two types of frames are commonly used to tell the stories of social movements: diagnostic frames (which identify the sources of problems and responsibilities) and predictive frames (which outline plans to achieve social change).
However, have you ever thought that the key to the success of a social movement actually lies in the participation and contribution of every member?
