Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

Social movements arise generally from needs felt by one or more members of any given society. Through social interactions, these needs and concerns are communicated to many more persons. A network of people who share these concerns become the driving force for change in that particular society. Movements are usually guided by some underlying philosophies and goals. Indeed, several movements are associated with a founder or a core group. It can take several years, or even decades for a social movement to become very wide and expansive, across vast geographical territories. Social movements such as the Social Reform Movement, Trade Union Movement, Tribal Movement, Dalit Movement, Women’s Movement, Chipko Movement, LGBT Movement, Civil Rights Movement, Rationalist Movement and so many more have emerged and grown. As a social movement gains momentum, greater awareness is created in society. In fact, the study of several movements have found their way into the academic curriculum as well as research. For example, courses on Labour Studies, Gender Studies, Minorities’ Studies and Environmental Studies. Social movements can stimulate critical thinking about social issues in the wider society of which we are a part. Some of these concerns lead to the passing of legislations. Every era or generation has its share of concerns from which may emerge new social movements.

1. Social movements play an important role to bring about change in society, discuss it.
2. Why do social movements arise?

Answer 1

i.

Social movements play a powerful catalyst for transforming society in several ways:

1. Driving Force for Change: They create a network of people who share common issues, which becomes the primary driver of social progress.
2. Creating Awareness: As these movements acquire traction, they educate the public about hidden or overlooked social issues, raising awareness across vast territories.
3. Stimulating Critical Thinking: They encourage the general public to think critically about current social issues and challenge the status quo.
4. Legislative Impact: One of their most practical responsibilities is to persuade the government to create new legislation (laws) that address the issues of the movement.
5. Educational Influence: They have an impact on academia by inspiring the development of new study topics and courses, such as Gender Studies and Environmental Studies.

ii. Social movements generally arise in response to specific needs or concerns expressed by one or more individuals within a society. Individual concerns are communicated to others through social contacts, eventually building a network of people with similar issues and goals. Every new era or generation faces its own set of challenges, and when these perceived requirements become a collective concern, they coalesce into a structured movement. Essentially, they evolve as a response to a society's evolving challenges, which demand organised effort to solve.