2.3.3 - Social Movements & Participation in Politics

Question 1

Question 1
What are the similarities Between Pressure Groups & Social Movements

Answer 1

• Influence on Policy & Decision-Making – Both aim to shape government policies.
• Public Mobilization – Use protests, petitions, and media campaigns to gain support.
• Advocacy for Change – Seek social, political, or economic transformation.
• Use of Lobbying & Direct Action – Engage in demonstrations & legal challenges.
• Grassroots Engagement – Encourage ordinary citizens to participate in activism.

Question 2

Question 2
What Differences do Pressure Groups have to Social Groups?

Answer 2

• Structure: Formal organizations with leadership & membership.
• Membership: Requires formal affiliation.
• Methods: Lobbying, legal action, insider influence.
• Insider vs Outsider Status: Some have direct government access.
• Longevity: Long-term institutions with sustained impact.

Question 3

Question 3
What Differences do Social Groups have to Pressure Groups?

Answer 3

• Structure: Loosely organized, often spontaneous.
• Membership: Open & fluid participation.
• Methods: Protests, civil disobedience, mass mobilization.
• Insider vs Outsider Status: Typically outsider movements challenging institutions.
• Longevity: Can be temporary, emerging in response to specific issues

Question 4

Question 4
What is membership & aims of Social movements?

Answer 4

• Open & Fluid Membership – No formal structure, widespread participation.
• Mass Participation – Relies on public involvement rather than membership lists.
• Diverse Support Base – Activists, affected individuals, academics, allies.
• Global & Local Networks – Can operate internationally or focus locally.
• Social & Political Change – Seeks alterations in laws, norms & governance.
• Public Awareness & Advocacy – Educates people & influences discourse.
• Challenging Power Structures – Opposes entrenched institutions & corporate control.
• Human Rights & Equality – Often centered on civil rights, environmentalism, economic justice.

Question 5

Question 5
What are the Methods Used by Social Movements?

Answer 5

• Protests & Demonstrations – Public actions to attract media attention.
• Civil Disobedience – Strikes, boycotts & non-violent resistance.
• Social Media Activism – Online campaigns & viral content.
• Legal Challenges – Court cases & lobbying efforts.
• Grassroots Organizing – Community advocacy & local initiatives.

Question 6

Question 6
What Resources & Use of New Technologies do Social Groups use?

Answer 6

• Digital Platforms – Websites, petitions, social media.
• Crowdfunding & Donations – Online fundraising sustains activism.
• Data Analytics & Mobilization – Tracks engagement & organizes events.
• Live Streaming & Citizen Journalism – Bypasses traditional media control.
• Hashtag Campaigns – Viral hashtags (e.g., #MeToo, #FridaysForFuture) amplify movements.

Question 7

Question 7
What was the Hong Kong Independence Movement?

Answer 7

• Advocates for Hong Kong’s independence from China due to violations of the “One Country, Two Systems” agreement.
• Emerged after the 2014 Umbrella Revolution protests.
• Engages in vigils for the victims of the June 4th Tiananmen Square incident.

Question 8

Question 8
What was the 9/11 Truth Movement?

Answer 8

• Challenges the mainstream account of the September 11 attacks.
• Claims suppressed evidence & suggests government complicity in the attacks.
• Draws adherents from diverse political ideologies.

Question 9

Question 9
What was the Black Lives Matter Movement?

Answer 9

• Founded in 2013, combats systemic racism & police violence against Black communities.
• International presence, engaging in demonstrations & advocacy.
• Influenced social & political discourse on racial justice.

Question 10

Question 10
What was the Men’s Rights Movement?

Answer 10

• Originated from the men’s liberation movement in the 1970s.
• Focuses on issues affecting men, e.g., domestic violence & custody rights.
• Criticized as anti-feminist & described as a backlash to gender equality movements.

Question 11

Question 11
What was the UK Women’s Suffrage Movement?

Answer 11

• NUWSS led peaceful protests (Suffragists); WSPU led militant actions (Suffragettes).
• Gained momentum through demonstrations, petitions & protests.
• Achieved voting rights for women in 1918 (age 30+) & 1928 (age 21+).

Question 12

Question 12
What was the Extinction Rebellion (XR)?

Answer 12

• Founded in 2018, pressures governments to act on climate & biodiversity crises.
• Uses non-violent civil disobedience, mass protests & direct action.
• Influenced UK Parliament’s climate emergency declaration (2019)

Question 13

Question 13
Are Social Movements Effective?

Answer 13

• Historical suffrage movements proved peaceful & militant efforts can achieve change.
• Groups like BLM raised awareness & shifted policy discussions.
• Influential figures discussing key issues amplify movements’ reach.
• Some movements successfully shift societal norms & behaviors.

Question 14

Question 14
Are Social Movements Ineffective?

Answer 14

• Disruptive tactics (e.g., Just Stop Oil) can alienate the general public.
• Some movements spread misinformation (e.g., Anti-vax, 9/11 Truth).
• Governments are not obligated to act on movement demands.
• Lack of structure can cause fragmentation & weaken impact.