What do new social movements primarily advocate for?

New social movements primarily advocate for autonomy and self-determination, focusing on empowering individuals and marginalized groups to assert their rights and identities. These movements often seek social change that emphasizes human rights, environmental justice, and social equality rather than merely advocating for existing governmental policies or traditional values.

The essence of these movements lies in their grassroots nature, seeking to create alternative pathways for social organization and collective action. They emphasize personal and communal agency, allowing participants to champion causes that reflect their needs and aspirations, rather than fitting within traditional frameworks of political or economic growth. As a result, autonomy and self-determination serve as foundational concepts for mobilizing support and fostering a collective identity among participants in new social movements.