Class 12 Sociology - CBSE
Social Movements
The chapter 'Social Movements' in Class 12 Sociology explores how collective action brings about social, political, and cultural change. It distinguishes social movements from sporadic protests, highlighting their organization, ideology, and leadership. Students learn about different types of movements—such as peasant, workers', tribal, environmental, and women's movements—and their impact on modern Indian society. This chapter is vital for board exams as it connects sociological theories with real-world historical and contemporary struggles in India, testing both conceptual understanding and case-study analysis.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Social Movement
A sustained, collective effort by a group of people sharing a common ideology to bring about social change or resist it.
Social Change vs. Social Movement
Social change is a broad, continuous process affecting society, whereas a social movement is a deliberate, organized, and goal-oriented collective action.
New Social Movements (NSMs)
Movements that emerged in the late 20th century focusing on quality of life, identity, environment, and human rights rather than just economic class struggles.
Chipko Movement
A prominent forest conservation movement in the Himalayas where villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being felled.
Eco-feminism
A philosophical and political movement that combines ecological concerns with feminist ones, emphasizing the shared oppression of women and nature.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 12 Sociology board exam, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions usually include a mix of 1-mark objective questions, 2-mark short answers, and 4 to 6-mark analytical questions based on specific movements like Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan, or the differences between old and new social movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a social movement and a riot?
A riot is a spontaneous, unorganized, and short-lived outburst of collective violence, whereas a social movement is sustained over time, highly organized, and guided by a specific ideology and goal.
Why are they called 'New' Social Movements?
They are called 'new' because, unlike traditional movements focused primarily on class and economic issues, NSMs focus on identity, lifestyle, cultural values, and environmental issues.
Are social movements always successful?
Not always. While some achieve their immediate goals or lead to policy changes, others may fail due to state repression, internal divisions, or loss of public support, though they still raise awareness.
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