Social Movements: Prosperity.

Prosperity
Prosperity affords the resources necessary for social movements. Other
things being equal the most deprived seem unable to sustain more than
momentary insurgency. Money also makes a difference to local, short term
initiatives. Wealthy neighborhoods are much better than poor
neighbourhoods at getting concessions and services from local government.
Physical concentration
Bringing people into close proximity in cities, factories, and university
campuses increases the potential for social movement activity. The civil
rights movement followed the mass migration of blacks from dispersed rural
settlements to concentrated urban centres in the US South. Short-lived
examples of physical concentration also foment social change. Conferences,
for instance, often energize participants to pursue progressive change. Sports
events, carnivals and rallies have less predictable outcomes.
Level of prior grassroots organization
Already existing church groups, clubs, special interest organizations, teams
and recreational groups, community groups, PTAs, veterans and educational
organizations support the development of social movements. The early
stages of mobilization are difficult if most people lead purely private lives,
and grassroots groups have few members. Robert Putnam’s work in Italy
shows how broad public participation and a healthy collection of grassroots
groups could expedite regional government initiatives.
The absence of cross-cutting solidarities
It is easier for a movement to grow in a population that is isolated or has
weak ties to other groups in society. The feminist movement initially
encountered a good deal of resistance from married women in the US,
women who had a wide variety of social, and economic ties to men.
Suddenly imposed grievances, dramatic spotlighting
Dramatic, highly publicized, unexpected events can lead to public outrage
and major shifts in public attitudes. Huge oil spills, nuclear accidents,
revelations of serious government misconduct, official violence against
dissenters, or the sudden loss of employment serve to foment social
movement.
Solidarity instead of free-riding
Many sociologists have argued that social movements are hampered by the
tendency for people to do a quick cost-benefit analysis of their participation.
The rational person will conclude the easiest course is to become a free rider
since they will obtain the benefits of social action whether they participate or
not.