The change of social movement’s concept

Abstract

This is a theoretical article in which the change of social movement’s concept is analyzed. In scientific literature there is no single definition of social movements. Interpretation of social movements depends on social movement theories as well as on political and social circumstances. In this article different concepts of social movements are discussed and compared. Four main theories and how they see the role of social movements are analyzed – Collective Behavior, Resource Mobilization, Political Process and New Social Movement theories.
After analyzing different authors, the main conclusion is drawn. It became apparent that understanding of social movements could be divided into European and American schools. The European school might be also divided into the old one (Marxism) and the new one (New Social Movement Theory). The same should be applied to the American school which is divided between Collective Behavior and Resource Mobilization as well as Political Process theories.