An Overview of the Framework of Social Movement Theories: An Analytical Review

Abstract

The present study provides a thorough overview of the social movement analysis theories within the context of the paradigms that they are grounded in. Specifically, the article will discuss the psychological, structural, microsocial, cultural, and rational theories of social movement. The study will then delve into the integrative perspectives like social networks and context dependent approaches of studying social movements. In the concluding section, it will be argued that quantitative studies that study social movements from a deductive perspective lack explanatory power. Social movements are context dependent phenomena that constantly interact, influence, and are being influenced by their environment. Thus, theoretical approaches that emphasize the importance of context and necessitate qualitative inquiry into social movements can potentially render a more holistic insight.