Introduction
Social movements in India have played a significant role in shaping the country’s political, economic, and social landscape. From anti-colonial struggles to modern rights-based movements, these collective efforts have influenced policies, governance, and social justice. Scholars have developed various approaches to studying social movements, each offering a different perspective on their causes, strategies, and impact.
The main approaches to studying social movements in India include:
- Structural-Functional Approach
- Marxist Approach
- Gandhian Approach
- Resource Mobilization Approach
- New Social Movement (NSM) Approach
Each of these approaches highlights different dimensions of how social movements emerge, function, and achieve their goals.
1. Structural-Functional Approach
A. Key Ideas
- This approach views society as a system with interrelated parts.
- Social movements arise when there is a breakdown in social harmony due to issues like inequality or discrimination.
- Movements are seen as temporary disruptions that either correct social imbalances or threaten social order.
B. Application in India
- The Dalit movement is studied through this approach as a response to the disruption of traditional caste hierarchies.
- The farmers’ protests are seen as reactions to changes in agrarian policies that affect livelihoods.
C. Criticism
- Ignores the agency of oppressed groups and assumes movements only exist to restore balance.
- Does not explain movements that aim for radical transformation, such as revolutions or insurgencies.
2. Marxist Approach
A. Key Ideas
- Social movements are driven by class conflict and the struggle between oppressors and the oppressed.
- Movements emerge when workers and peasants resist capitalist exploitation.
- Revolutionary change is necessary to overthrow unjust systems.
B. Application in India
- The Naxalite movement is an example of a Marxist-inspired movement, where peasants and tribal groups revolted against feudal landlords and capitalist exploitation.
- The Trade Union Movement in India is also studied under this framework, highlighting how workers mobilized for better wages and working conditions.
C. Criticism
- Focuses only on class struggle, ignoring issues like caste, gender, and ethnicity.
- Does not explain non-violent movements, such as Gandhian protests.
3. Gandhian Approach
A. Key Ideas
- Advocates non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and civil disobedience.
- Focuses on ethical and moral transformation rather than violent revolution.
- Sees social movements as a way to achieve self-rule (Swaraj) and justice through peaceful means.
B. Application in India
- The Indian Independence Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, is the best example.
- Modern movements like the Chipko Movement (forest conservation) and Narmada Bachao Andolan (anti-dam movement) have adopted Gandhian principles.
C. Criticism
- May not work in cases where the state or oppressors use extreme violence against protesters.
- Limited in effectiveness when dealing with deep-rooted systemic exploitation.
4. Resource Mobilization Approach
A. Key Ideas
- A social movement succeeds only if it has the necessary resources, including:
- Leadership
- Funding
- Organizational networks
- Media support
- Focuses on strategy, planning, and alliances rather than just grievances.
B. Application in India
- The India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, led by Anna Hazare, gained momentum due to strong media presence, social media mobilization, and financial backing.
- The Dalit movement under Kanshi Ram and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) effectively used resources to enter mainstream politics.
C. Criticism
- Ignores emotions, ideology, and grassroots spontaneity in mobilization.
- Does not fully explain leaderless movements like the Arab Spring-inspired protests in India.
5. New Social Movement (NSM) Approach
A. Key Ideas
- Unlike earlier movements focused on class struggle, NSMs focus on:
- Human rights
- Environment
- Identity-based politics (gender, caste, LGBTQ+ rights, indigenous rights)
- More decentralized and non-hierarchical, often using digital activism.
B. Application in India
- The LGBTQ+ rights movement, leading to the decriminalization of Section 377.
- The Feminist movements in India, such as the fight against sexual violence (Nirbhaya protests in 2012).
C. Criticism
- Lacks a clear ideological base compared to older movements.
- Focuses on individual rights but does not always address broader systemic inequalities.
6. Comparison of Different Approaches
| Approach | Key Idea | Example in India | Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural-Functional | Movements fix social imbalances | Dalit movement | Ignores radical movements |
| Marxist | Class struggle is the cause of movements | Naxalite insurgency | Overlooks non-class factors |
| Gandhian | Non-violent protest and self-rule | Chipko movement | Not effective in all conflicts |
| Resource Mobilization | Movements succeed with resources | India Against Corruption | Ignores ideology and emotions |
| New Social Movement | Focuses on identity, environment, human rights | LGBTQ+ Rights, Nirbhaya protests | Lacks ideological clarity |
7. Conclusion
The study of social movements in India requires a multi-dimensional approach. While some movements, such as peasant and worker struggles, align with Marxist theories, others like environmental and feminist movements fit better within the New Social Movements framework. The Gandhian approach remains influential, especially in non-violent activism.
Ultimately, no single approach can fully explain all movements, and a combination of theories is needed to understand how different groups mobilize for justice and change in Indian society.
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