Sociology · Sociology of Indian Society
Chapter 11 : Social Movements in India
Table of contents35 sections
- 1.Social Movements in India
- 2.Concept, Definition and Types of Social Movements
- 3.Definitions of Social Movement
- 4.Characteristics of Social Movements
- 5.Types of Social Movements
- 6.Key Terms
- 7.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 8.A. Reform Movements
- 9.1. The Brahmo Samaj – 1822
- 10.2. Prarthana Samaj – 1867
- 11.3. Arya Samaj – 1875
- 12.4. Sri Ramakrishna Mission – 1897
- 13.5. Theosophical Society – 1886
- 14.6. Satya Shodhak Samaj – 1873
- 15.7. Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam (S.N.D.P. Yogam) – 1903
- 16.Key Terms
- 17.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 18.B. Backward Classes Movement
- 19.Main Goals of Backward Classes Movement
- 20.Nature and Characteristics of Backward Classes Movement
- 21.Factors Contributing to the Movement
- 22.Non-Brahmin Movement as a Type of Backward Classes Movement
- 23.Key Terms
- 24.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 25.C. Agrarian Unrest or Peasant Movements
- 26.Concept of Agrarian Unrest
- 27.Timelines of Peasant Movements
- 28.Types of Peasant Struggles
- 29.Causes of Agrarian Unrest
- 30.Indigo Growers' Agitation / Movement (1860)
- 31.Naxalbari Movement – 1967
- 32.Observations Relating to Peasant Struggles
- 33.Key Terms
- 34.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 35.Quick-Recall Box
Chapter preview
Social Movements in India
Concept, Definition and Types of Social Movements
Social movements play an important role in human history by highlighting the dynamic aspect of human society and behaviour. Members of society are not passive; they attempt to influence human events through collective action.
- Structure: Social movements are comparatively well-structured. Members act consciously together based on a shared belief system or ideology.
- Ideology: Provides a criticism of existing conditions, a concept of purpose, a programme for action, and a justification. Highly organised movements may eventually become formal organisations, while others (e.g., short-lived religious cults) remain loosely structured and spontaneous.
- Causes for emergence: According to Ian Robertson (Page - 532), "Social movements arise because social conditions create dissatisfaction with the existing arrangements. People join specific social movements for an almost infinite variety of reasons - including idealism, altruism, compassion and practical considerations as well as neurotic frustration."
- Role: They bring social problems to public attention (e.g., religious, political, economic, educational, environmental fields in modern India since the 18th century). Modern India has witnessed a number of social movements ever since the 18th century, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Examples of social movements: There are movements to demand more and more reservation for the SCs and STs and other backward classes and there are counter movements demanding its cancellation or at least the status quo. There are movements to "save environment", to "save wild life" and to "save world peace". There are movements for and against the construction of Sri Ram Temple at the disputed place of Ayodhya. There are Fascist Movements, Communist Movements, Naxalite Movements, Tribal Movements, Peasants' Movements, Women's Movements, Youth Movements, Labour Movements, Civil Rights Movements, Human Rights Movements, Afforestaton Movements, and so on.
Definitions of Social Movement
Characteristics of Social Movements
M.S.A. Rao (Social Movements in India) identifies 2 characteristics with considerable sociological agreement, and 3 criteria where sociologists differ:
Agreed Characteristics:
- Collective Action : Must be sustained for a long time to become a movement. It need not be formally organised but must create interest and…
This is a 350-word maximum preview. The complete chapter remains available only with the Sociology plan.
Locked chapter
This chapter is part of the Sociology plan
Subscribe to read every chapter on any device. Free chapters remain readable for everyone.
View plans Chapter 12 : TRIBAL LIFE IN INDIA