Q._______________ social movements strive to change the existing social and political arrangements through gradual incremental steps. a. Reformist b. Redemptive c. Revolutionary d. Relative deprivation

Understanding social movements means recognizing what actually drives people to organize and act together over extended periods. The Reason captures an essential truth: social movements are not spontaneous flashes of protest but sustained campaigns that demand continuous effort, coordination, and commitment from participants. People must organize, mobilize resources, build networks, and maintain momentum despite setbacks. This long-term character distinguishes a movement from a riot, a demonstration, or a one-off event.

The Assertion, however, mischaracterizes the nature of social movement goals. While some movements do pursue broad, transformative objectives — think of independence struggles or campaigns for fundamental rights — many others are deliberately narrow and specific. A movement might demand a particular policy change, the protection of a single forest, the reversal of a price hike, or justice in one case of violence. These are not "broad goals" but focused, concrete demands. The defining feature of a social movement is not the scope of its goal but the collective, sustained nature of the effort to achieve it.

The question asks you to identify which type of social movement works through gradual, incremental steps to change existing social and political arrangements. This is a classic distinction in sociology between different kinds of social movements, each with its own strategy and goal.

A reformist movement operates within the framework of the current system. It does not aim to overthrow the government, abolish private property, or replace the entire social order. Instead, it pushes for specific, limited changes — better labour laws, expanded voting rights, environmental regulations, or anti-discrimination policies. The method is patient, legal, and often involves lobbying, public campaigns, and working through established political channels. The civil rights movement in the United States, for example, was largely reformist in its demand for equal rights under the law, not for the abolition of the American constitutional system.

A revolutionary movement, by contrast, seeks to replace the entire social and political order. It does not believe the system can be fixed from within. Revolutionary movements aim for a complete transformation — a new constitution, a new economic system, a new ruling class. The Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Chinese Communist Revolution are classic examples. These movements are not gradual; they aim for a sudden, often violent, seizure of power.

A redemptive movement focuses on changing individuals from the inside out. It seeks to save or "redeem" people by transforming their personal beliefs, behaviours, and identities. Religious revival movements, cults, and some self-help movements are redemptive. They are less concerned with changing laws or governments than with changing hearts and minds. The goal is a new kind of person, not a new kind of state. …