What is the main focus of social movements?

Prepare for the CLEP Sociology Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Enhance your readiness for the exam day!

The primary focus of social movements is to promote social change or resistance to existing social conditions. Social movements are organized efforts by groups of people to create, challenge, or change societal norms, values, or policies. They are typically aimed at addressing social issues such as injustice, inequality, or political repression and often seek to mobilize individuals to advocate for a specific cause or reform.

Promoting social change involves raising awareness, fostering solidarity among participants, and using various strategies such as protests, advocacy campaigns, and civil disobedience to influence public opinion and policymakers. Social movements can range from grassroots initiatives to large-scale campaigns and can address issues related to civil rights, environmental concerns, labor rights, and more.

In contrast, the other options focus on maintaining status quo elements instead of challenging or changing them. For instance, maintaining cultural traditions, building social networks, and enforcing social norms do not inherently involve the active pursuit of change, but rather consist of sustaining existing social structures and practices. This highlights the distinct role that social movements play in striving for transformation in society.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy