Social movements are explained from two different schools of thought. The rational actor theory explains the formation social movements from participation of people in pursuit of their individual interests. Individuals serve as rational actors and consumers in the market place (Mayo, 2015). On the other hand, new social movement theory explains social movement as a precursor of social transformations that focus on developing new entities and forms of organizations that are more participatory and less bureaucratized (Mayo, 2015).
I consider the rational actor theory to provide a better explanation on the formation of social movements. The theory approaches the development of social movements from a more rational point of view. The theory asserts that formation of social movement organizations are motivated by individual desires. As one tried to explore the opportunities and constraints they face to fulfill their desires, they tend to develop rational ways to counter these constraints and opportunities. Individuals use logic, consistency, and discipline to define a particular social problem, identify and weigh available decision criteria, and deliberate the present and future consequences each these actions on their individual gains. Therefore, individuals arrive at an optimal solution to secure the available opportunities and curb the constraints for them to realize their desires. Therefore, members who form social movement organizations based on the rational actor theory tend to have common interests, and values, and would look forward to achieve the optimal gain from these movements.
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Reference
Mayo, M. (2005). Global citizens: Social movements and the challenge of globalization . Zed
Books.
