Resource mobilization From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search Resource mobili zation is a major sociological

theory in the study of social movements which eme rged in the 1970s. It stresses the ability of movement's members to 1) acquire r esources and to 2) mobilize people towards accomplishing the movement's goals.[1 ] In contrast to the traditional collective behaviour theory that views social m ovements as deviant and irrational, resource mobilization sees them as rational social institutions, created and populated by social actors with a goal of takin g a political action.[2] Contents [hide] 1 The theory and its theorists 2 Criticism 3 See also 4 External links 5 References 6 Further reading [edit] The theory and its theoristsAccording to resource mobilization theory, a core, professional group in a social movement organization works towards bringin g money, supporters, attention of the media, alliances with those in power, and refining the organizational structure. Social movements need the above resources to be effective, because dissent and grievances alone will not generate social change.[1] This theory assumes that individuals are rational. Individuals thus weigh the co sts and benefits of movement participation and act only if benefits outweigh cos ts. When movement goals take the form of public goods, the free rider dilemma ha s to be taken into consideration.[1] Social movements are goal-oriented, but organization is more important than reso urces. Organization means the interactions and relations between social movement organizations (SMOs) and other organizations (other SMOs, businesses, governmen ts, etc.). Efficiency of the organization infrastructure is a key resource in it self.[1] Resource mobilization theory can be divided into two camps: John D. McCarthy and Mayer Zald are the originators and major advocates of the c lassic entrepreneurial (economic) version of this theory, while Charles Tilly and Doug McAdam are proponents of the political version of resourc e mobilization.[1] The entrepreneurial model explains collective action as a result of economics fa ctors and organization theory. It argues that grievances are not sufficient to e xplain creation of social movements. Instead access to and control over resource s is the crucial factor. The laws of supply and demand explain the flow of resou rces to and from the movements, and that individual actions (or lack thereof) is accounted for by rational choice theory.[1] The political model focuses on the political struggle instead of economic factor s.[1] In the 1980s, other theories of social movements challenged the resource mobiliz ation framework:[2] social construction-ism new social movement theory [edit] CriticismCritics point out that resource mobilization theory fails to exp

lain social movement communities, which are large networks of individuals and ot her groups surrounding social movement organizations, and providing them with va rious services.[1] Critics also argue that it fails to explain how groups with l imited resources can succeed in bringing social change and that it does not assi gn sufficient weight to grievances, identity and culture as well as many macro-s ociological issues.[1] [edit] See alsoMass mobilization Social movement organization [edit] External linksResource mobilization approach Resource Mobilization [edit] References1.^ a b c d e f g h i Kendall 2006 2.^ a b Buechler 1999 [edit] Further readingJohn D. McCarthy and Mayer N. Zald, The Enduring Vitality of the Resource Mobilization Theory of Social Movements in Jonathan H. Turner (e d.), Handbook of Sociological Theory, 2001, p.533-65 Diana Kendall, Sociology In Our Times, Thomson Wadsworth, 2005, ISBN 0-534-64629 -8 Google Print, p.531 Steven M. Buechler, Social Movements in Advanced Capitalism, Oxford University P ress, 1999, ISBN 0-19-512604-1, Google Print, p.34 Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resource_mobilization& oldid=500158227" Help improve this pageWhat's this?What's this? Wikipedia would like to hear what you think of this article. Share your feedback with the editors and help improve this page. Learn more >> Did you find what you were looking for? Yes, I found what I was looking for.Yes No, I did not find what I was looking fo r.No Please post helpful feedback. By posting, you agree to transparency under these terms. Post your feedback Categories: Social movementsSociological theories