Social movements are organized efforts by a group of people to promote, resist, or change social, political, economic, or cultural norms and values. These movements typically arise from collective experiences of a group that seeks to bring about social change, often in response to perceived injustices or inequalities.
Social movements can take various forms, including protests, advocacy campaigns, and demonstrations. They are characterized by their collective action and often utilize strategies such as mobilization, awareness-raising, and grassroots organizing to achieve their goals. Examples include civil rights movements, environmental movements, feminist movements, and labor movements.
The success of a social movement can depend on factors such as public support, media coverage, and political opportunity structures. Social movements play a crucial role in influencing policy changes, public opinion, and societal norms over time.