Social Movements: Resource Mobilization Theory

Abstract

Resource mobilization theory focuses on the assets and capacities of aggrieved groups to explain the rise, development and outcome of social movements. Drawing on a rational choice approach, resources are defined broadly to include tangible resources, such as money and facilities, and intangible resources, such as the solidarities, cultural commitments, and identity networks of groups that facilitate their pooling of resources. To reduce free riding, organizers create selective and collective incentives and perceptions of large numbers of participants and a high likelihood of success. Most movements are indigenous, drawing on contributions from direct beneficiaries, but cheaper communications, institutional patronage, and political reactions to indigenous protest have also allowed political entrepreneurs to create professional social movement organizations. The rise and outcome of movements are shaped by the interaction of strategies with political opportunities. Movements that ‘think small,’ in terms of narrow incremental goals, avoid schisms, use unruliness and selective incentives, and have allies that are more successful. Political opportunities in terms of institutional permeability, favorable public opinion, elite divisions, and the availability of allies and patrons facilitate success.