Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
New Social Movements (NSMs) represent a significant shift in the landscape of collective action, particularly since the 1960s. Unlike traditional movements focused on class-based economic demands, NSMs center around issues of identity, lifestyle, and cultural values. These movements gained prominence in developed countries initially, but quickly found resonance in the developing world, adapting to unique socio-political realities. The rise of NSMs in developing countries reflects a growing awareness of issues like environmental degradation, gender inequality, ethnic and religious conflicts, and human rights violations, often exacerbated by globalization and state policies.
Defining New Social Movements
NSMs are broadly defined as collective efforts by groups of people to bring about or resist social change, focusing on issues beyond traditional economic or political concerns. They differ from ‘old’ social movements in several key aspects:
- Focus: Old movements (e.g., labor movements) primarily addressed economic inequalities and class struggle. NSMs focus on cultural, identity-based, and quality-of-life issues.
- Ideology: Old movements often had a clear, overarching ideology (e.g., Marxism). NSMs are often more fragmented and diverse in their ideologies.
- Organization: Old movements were typically hierarchical and centralized. NSMs tend to be decentralized, networked, and participatory.
- Tactics: Old movements relied heavily on strikes and political lobbying. NSMs employ a wider range of tactics, including protests, civil disobedience, consciousness-raising, and lifestyle changes.
Characteristics of NSMs in Developing Countries
While sharing common features with NSMs globally, those in developing countries exhibit specific characteristics:
- Intersectionality: NSMs in developing countries often address multiple forms of oppression simultaneously, recognizing the interconnectedness of issues like class, caste, gender, ethnicity, and environmental degradation.
- State-Society Relations: The relationship with the state is often more complex. States in developing countries may be weak, authoritarian, or undergoing transitions, influencing the strategies and outcomes of NSMs.
- Globalization’s Impact: Globalization plays a significant role, both as a catalyst for NSMs (e.g., environmental movements protesting multinational corporations) and as a source of new challenges (e.g., cultural homogenization).
- Local Context: NSMs are deeply rooted in local contexts, reflecting specific cultural norms, historical experiences, and power dynamics.
Examples of NSMs in Developing Countries
Environmental Movements
The Chipko Movement in India (1973) is a classic example of an early NSM, protesting deforestation and advocating for community forestry. More recently, movements against large dams (Narmada Bachao Andolan) and mining projects demonstrate ongoing environmental activism. In Nigeria, the Ogoni people’s struggle against oil pollution by Shell exemplifies the environmental justice dimension of NSMs.
Women’s Movements
Women’s movements in developing countries have focused on issues like domestic violence, reproductive rights, and economic empowerment. The Self-Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA), founded in 1972, is a prominent example, organizing women in the informal sector and advocating for their rights. In Bangladesh, BRAC’s microfinance programs have empowered millions of women economically.
Ethnic and Indigenous Movements
Many developing countries have witnessed the rise of ethnic and indigenous movements seeking greater autonomy, cultural recognition, and land rights. The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) in Mexico (1994 onwards) is a notable example, advocating for indigenous rights and challenging neoliberal policies. Similarly, movements by tribal communities in India against displacement due to development projects fall into this category.
Human Rights Movements
Human rights movements in developing countries often focus on issues like political repression, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch play a role in supporting these movements, but many are locally driven. The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina, protesting the disappearance of their children during the military dictatorship, is a powerful example.
Challenges Faced by NSMs in Developing Countries
- Repression: Many governments in developing countries are intolerant of dissent and actively suppress NSMs through violence, intimidation, and legal restrictions.
- Co-optation: States and corporations may attempt to co-opt NSMs by incorporating their demands into existing policies or funding them to dilute their radicalism.
- Internal Divisions: NSMs can be fragmented by internal divisions based on ideology, strategy, or leadership.
- Resource Constraints: NSMs often lack the financial and organizational resources to effectively challenge powerful actors.
- Lack of Political Representation: NSMs often struggle to translate their demands into concrete political changes due to limited access to decision-making processes.
| Movement Type | Example (Developing Country) | Key Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental | Chipko Movement (India) | Deforestation, Community Forestry |
| Women's | SEWA (India) | Rights of Women in Informal Sector |
| Ethnic/Indigenous | EZLN (Mexico) | Indigenous Rights, Neoliberalism |
| Human Rights | Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo (Argentina) | Disappeared Persons, Political Repression |
Conclusion
New Social Movements in developing countries represent a dynamic and evolving form of collective action, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities of these regions. While facing significant obstacles, these movements play a crucial role in advocating for social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights. Their success depends on their ability to build broad coalitions, adapt to changing political contexts, and effectively mobilize public support. The future of NSMs in the developing world will likely be shaped by the ongoing interplay between globalization, state power, and local resistance.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.