Social movement facts for kids
A social movement is when a large group of people work together to make a big change in society. They might want to fix a problem, stop something from happening, or even undo a change that has already happened. These groups are usually not officially organized like a government or a company. Instead, they are made up of many individuals and smaller groups who share a common goal. Social movements are a way for everyday people to bring about change from the ground up.
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What is a Social Movement?
A social movement is a group effort by many people to achieve a specific goal. This goal is often related to a social problem or a political idea. For example, people might want to change a law or make society fairer. These movements can involve individuals, groups, or both working together. They are a way for people who feel unheard to make their voices strong.
How Do Movements Start?
Social movements often begin when many people feel strongly about an issue. They might feel that something is unfair or needs to change. These feelings can lead people to gather and discuss their concerns. Sometimes, a specific event can spark a movement. Other times, it grows slowly as more people become aware of a problem.
Why Do People Join Movements?
People join social movements for many reasons. They might want to make their community better. They could be fighting for their rights or the rights of others. Joining a movement can also give people a sense of belonging. It allows them to work with others who share their beliefs. This teamwork can make them feel more powerful.
How Movements Use Technology
Today, social movements often use technology to connect people. The internet and social media are very important tools. They help groups share their message quickly. They can also organize events and gather support from all over the world. This makes it easier for movements to grow and reach more people.
Famous Social Movements
Throughout history, many social movements have changed the world. These movements have fought for different causes. They show how powerful people can be when they work together.
The Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States is a famous example. It happened in the 1950s and 1960s. This movement fought for equal rights for African Americans. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. helped organize marches and protests. Their efforts led to important laws that ended segregation and protected voting rights.
The Chartist Movement
The Chartist Movement took place in Britain in the 1830s and 1840s. This movement wanted to give more people the right to vote. At that time, only wealthy men could vote. The Chartists created a "People's Charter" with six main demands. They organized large meetings and presented petitions to Parliament. Even though their demands were not met right away, their efforts helped pave the way for future voting reforms.
The Gordon Riots
The Gordon Riots happened in London in 1780. These were a series of protests against a law that gave more rights to Roman Catholics. The protests turned into riots, causing a lot of damage. While this movement showed strong feelings, it also showed how protests can sometimes get out of control. It is an example of people trying to resist a social change.
Images for kids
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stages of a social movement
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Satirical engraving of Wilkes by William Hogarth. Wilkes is holding two editions of The North Briton.
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The Gordon Riots, depicted in a painting by John Seymour Lucas
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The Great Chartist Meeting on Kennington Common, London in 1848
See also
In Spanish: Movimiento social para niños
