Social Movements in India: Concepts, Theories, Types and Contemporary Relevance

This article by Ganesh Shrirang Satarkar (Nale) of the Central University of Haryana provides a comprehensive conceptual and theoretical exploration of social movements in India. It examines the nature, definitions, and classifications of social movements and analyzes how genesis, ideology, identity, leadership, and mobilization contribute to collective action. Integrating major theoretical frameworks—Herbert Blumer’s Collective Behaviour Theory, Neil Smelser’s Structural Strain Theory, Resource Mobilization Theory, and New Social Movement Theory—the article explains the logic behind protest and social transformation. It further presents a detailed typology of Indian social movements, including peasant struggles, backward class mobilization, religious/sectarian movements, tribal resistance, Dalit movements, women's movements, and environmental activism. The work also highlights the unique Indian phenomenon of the “politics of transcendence”, where spiritual-moral ideology fuels collective action. Overall, the article emphasizes the continuing relevance of social movements in shaping democracy, equality, rights, and public policy in contemporary India.