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Shekharkulhari
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Social movements have been around for centuries. They, of course, have evolved and are relevant to their time period, but they all rely on basic principles: structural strain and conduciveness, precipitating events, and mobilization of control. Although this theory of social movements was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, its tenets continue to hold true. These aspects that catalyze a social movement can be recognized in almost all throughout history. However, just like social movements, the theories adapt with the changing times to best suit the modern era and its needs. Such as, the new movement theory incorporates aspects of social identity, layered goals and agendas, and are focused on cultural preservation and respect more than politics. Although not all modern social movements are able to be included based on these criteria, a vast majority of them are. I would argue that a lot of this has to do with the rise of social media. Through the internet and social networking platforms, people are able to find community in ways that have never existed before. One is able to converse with another halfway across the globe in a matter of minutes, something that would have been unimaginable some time ago. There are niche spaces that focus on hyper-specific goals and ideals that are able to be discovered in an instant. This has allowed people to mobilize in a way that was never possible before. You no longer have to go to rallies and protests miles away to take part in a movement; it can now be as simple as voicing your mind in 160 characters and adding a hashtag. I imagine that in this modern era, we have seen a rise in social movements, their global reach, and their mobilization. People do not have to be in person to connect with an issue, therefore allowing the message of social movements to reach a more vast audience.