UGC NET - Concept of social movements and theories: relative deprivation, resource mobilization, political process theory, new social movement theory. Online Test (MCQ Quiz)

1. Which theory of social movements emphasizes the importance of shared grievances and the perception of injustice leading to collective action?

A) Resource Mobilization Theory B) Relative Deprivation Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

2. According to Resource Mobilization Theory, what is a crucial factor for the success of a social movement?

A) The intensity of individual grievances B) The availability and control of resources C) The level of political repression D) The cultural identity of participants

3. Political Process Theory argues that social movements are more likely to emerge and succeed when:

A) There is widespread economic inequality B) There are opportunities within the political system C) Individuals feel a strong sense of shared identity D) External resources are readily available

4. New Social Movement Theory primarily focuses on movements that:

A) Are driven by economic class conflict B) Seek to achieve fundamental political power C) Are concerned with quality of life, identity, and cultural issues D) Utilize traditional organizational structures

5. The concept of 'relative deprivation' in social movement theory refers to:

A) The absolute poverty experienced by individuals B) The disparity between what people believe they deserve and what they actually receive C) The lack of access to essential resources D) The feeling of isolation within a society

6. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a 'resource' in the context of Resource Mobilization Theory?

A) Money B) Leadership C) Communication networks D) Individual psychological distress

7. The Political Process Theory emphasizes the interplay between:

A) Individual psychology and economic conditions B) Movement resources and cultural values C) Political opportunities and mobilizing structures D) Social networks and collective identity

8. Movements advocating for environmental protection, LGBTQ+ rights, and peace are often cited as examples of:

A) Classical social movements B) New Social Movements C) Revolutionary movements D) Labor movements

9. According to Relative Deprivation Theory, the feeling of deprivation is often intensified when:

A) People compare themselves to those worse off B) People compare themselves to those perceived as having more than they deserve C) People are unaware of societal inequalities D) People have very low expectations

10. Which theory highlights the importance of 'mobilizing structures' such as formal organizations, informal networks, and leadership for social movements?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

11. The 'political opportunities' component of Political Process Theory refers to:

A) The extent of economic resources available B) The degree of openness or vulnerability of the political system C) The strength of collective identity among participants D) The level of public support for the movement's goals

12. New Social Movement Theory suggests that contemporary movements are less focused on economic redistribution and more on:

A) Gaining political office B) Challenging cultural norms and values C) Securing basic needs like food and shelter D) Overthrowing existing governments

13. A key critique of Relative Deprivation Theory is that it may overlook:

A) The role of collective identity B) The importance of political opportunities C) The potential for grievances to exist without leading to action D) The mobilization of resources

14. Which theorist is most closely associated with the development of Resource Mobilization Theory?

A) Ted Robert Gurr B) Charles Tilly C) Anthony Oberschall D) Alain Touraine

15. The 'framing process' is considered important in which social movement theory?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

16. Which of the following best describes the focus of 'New Social Movements' concerning the individual?

A) The individual as a cog in the economic machine B) The individual's search for identity and self-expression C) The individual's need for security and stability D) The individual's role in class struggle

17. According to Resource Mobilization Theory, successful movements are often those that can effectively:

A) Generate widespread public sympathy B) Exploit existing political divisions C) Tap into and manage diverse resources D) Convince individuals of their absolute deprivation

18. The idea that social movements arise when a group perceives a gap between its aspirations and its achievements is central to:

A) Resource Mobilization Theory B) Political Process Theory C) Relative Deprivation Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

19. Which theory suggests that social movements are influenced by the broader political context, including the state's policies and the actions of political elites?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

20. The emphasis on 'collective identity' as a key factor in mobilizing action is particularly strong in which theoretical framework?

A) Resource Mobilization Theory B) Political Process Theory C) New Social Movement Theory D) Relative Deprivation Theory

21. Which of the following is a potential 'political opportunity' that could foster social movement growth?

A) A stable, unresponsive political regime B) Increased political repression C) Shifts in political alignments or elite divisions D) A decline in media attention

22. The argument that social movements are not just about grievances but also about the capacity to act is a core tenet of:

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

23. New Social Movement theorists often distinguish their focus from earlier movements by highlighting concerns related to:

A) Class struggle and economic exploitation B) National liberation and state formation C) Lifestyle, culture, and post-materialist values D) Religious revival and moral reform

24. The 'diffusion of grievances' is a concept more directly associated with which theory?

A) Resource Mobilization Theory B) Political Process Theory C) Relative Deprivation Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

25. According to Charles Tilly, social movements are often characterized by:

A) Isolated acts of individual protest B) The formation of lasting political parties C) Contention, the WUNC (Worthiness, Unity, Numbers, Commitment) display, and the use of public forums D) Secretive planning and underground operations

26. Which theory posits that the success of a movement depends heavily on its ability to frame its goals and actions in ways that resonate with potential supporters and the broader public?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

27. The concept of 'counter-movements' is most directly addressed within the framework of:

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

28. Which of the following is a key element emphasized by New Social Movement Theory regarding the nature of contemporary activism?

A) Focus on achieving traditional economic goals B) Emphasis on hierarchical organizational structures C) Concern with individual autonomy and cultural change D) Primary goal of seizing state power

29. The idea that social movements exploit 'windows of opportunity' is central to which theory?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

30. When a group feels it has been unjustly treated compared to another group, even if its absolute conditions have improved, this aligns with:

A) Resource Mobilization Theory B) Political Process Theory C) Relative Deprivation Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

31. Which theory highlights the role of 'framing devices' like diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames in social movements?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

32. The focus on 'identity politics' is a significant characteristic of:

A) Classical labor movements B) Colonial independence movements C) New Social Movements D) Early civil rights movements in the US

33. Resource Mobilization Theory suggests that grievances alone are insufficient for social movement formation; what else is needed?

A) A charismatic leader B) Significant media coverage C) The capacity to mobilize resources D) Widespread public discontent

34. Which theory emphasizes the 'disruption of the status quo' as a necessary condition for social movement emergence?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

35. The concept of 'political efficacy' – the belief that one can influence political outcomes – is most relevant to which theory?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

36. Alain Touraine's work on New Social Movements emphasizes the conflict between:

A) Capital and labor B) The state and the people C) The established elite and the emerging social actors focused on new forms of control D) Traditional values and modern ideologies

37. The idea that social movements are more likely to succeed when they align with or exploit existing political structures and opportunities is central to:

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

38. Which theory might explain the rise of the anti-globalization movement as a response to perceived economic injustices and inequalities?

A) Resource Mobilization Theory B) Political Process Theory C) Relative Deprivation Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

39. The 'political process' in Political Process Theory includes:

A) Economic markets B) Cultural norms C) The state, political elites, and institutional structures D) Social networks

40. Which of the following is a common critique of New Social Movement Theory?

A) It overemphasizes economic factors B) It neglects the role of political opportunities C) It sometimes underplays the importance of economic inequality and class D) It fails to account for the mobilization of resources

41. The concept of 'mobilization of bias' suggests that:

A) Resources are always equally distributed B) Political systems tend to favor certain interests over others C) Grievances naturally lead to protest D) New movements focus solely on cultural issues

42. Relative Deprivation Theory is often criticized for implying a direct causal link between perceived deprivation and:

A) Resource acquisition B) Political stability C) Collective action D) Cultural assimilation

43. Which theory emphasizes the strategic deployment of resources, including money, people, and legitimacy, for movement success?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

44. The idea that social movements are not aberrations but are integral parts of political processes is central to:

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

45. Which of the following is a defining characteristic of 'New Social Movements' according to theorists like Melucci or Touraine?

A) Focus on achieving basic economic security B) Emphasis on traditional class-based grievances C) Concern with issues of culture, identity, and quality of life D) Use of violent revolutionary tactics

46. The 'political opportunity structure' framework, often used in conjunction with Political Process Theory, suggests that movements are more likely to arise when:

A) The state is highly stable and unresponsive B) There are openings for influence within the political system C) Public opinion is overwhelmingly against the movement D) There is a complete absence of competing social movements

47. Which theory would best explain the formation of the Civil Rights Movement in the US, considering the interplay of grievances, organizational resources, and political opportunities?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

48. The concept that individuals may not act on their grievances unless they perceive that collective action is feasible and potentially successful is a key insight from:

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

49. Which theory highlights the role of 'disruption' and 'contention' as fundamental elements of social movements?

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

50. The study of how movements 'frame' issues to gain support and legitimacy is most prominent in the analysis of:

A) Relative Deprivation Theory B) Resource Mobilization Theory C) Political Process Theory D) New Social Movement Theory

Concept of social movements and theories: relative deprivation, resource mobilization, political process theory, new social movement theory. - Online Test

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