A social movement can be defined as a group of people who put in an organized effort to implement or resist social and political change.
Social movements are a powerful force of democracy. They allow people to come together and stand up for what they believe in. Some of the significant causes that call for social movements are gender equality, racial justice, food security, health, and climate welfare.
Some of the recent notable social movements started for similar reasons.
Black Lives Matter
The death of George Floyd sparked outrage in the US, along with the rest of the world. The Black Lives Matter Movement was started by the public to highlight the existing racism in the police force. The government is trying to address these issues and prevent them from happening again.
Indian Farmers’ Protest
The new farm laws from the government were controversial, to say the least. Farmers all over the country organised physical protests, which were some of the largest in the world. Agricultural workers make up over 50% of the Indian workforce, all of whom wanted economic justice. This movement also demanded fair compensation for the hard-working farmers.
Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Protest
The Keystone XL pipeline was built to transport oil from Canada to the US. Environmental activists protested the effects this pipeline would have on the environment. Any leakage from the pipeline would directly affect nearby water bodies, wildlife, and humans. It would also have increased greenhouse gas emissions. To protect the Earth from these effects, the pipeline was shut down.
Social movements often involve anger and acts of violence by the police and the public. The fact is that they can be peaceful too. People can come together to say what they want, without breaking any laws. This form of social movement is a safe way of resolving issues and bringing real change.
FAQs
1. What is a social movement?
A social movement can be defined as a group of people who put in an organized effort to implement or resist social and political change.
2. Name three social movements.
Three social movements are the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Indian Farmers Protest, and the Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Protest.
3. What are some causes that need social movements?
Some of the significant causes that need social movements are gender equality, racial justice, food security, health, and climate welfare.
4. Why was the Keystone XL pipeline shut down?
Any leakage from the pipeline would directly affect nearby water bodies, wildlife, and humans. It would also have increased greenhouse gas emissions. To protect the Earth from these effects, the pipeline was shut down.
5. Can protests be peaceful? If yes, justify why they should be peaceful.
Yes, protests can be peaceful too. People can come together to say what they want, without breaking any laws.
Meta description
Social movements are vital for a functioning democracy. This article from PlanetSpark covers a few of the current social movements that are making big waves.
