What role can social movements play in development?

WHAT ROLE CAN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS PLAY IN DEVELOPMENT?
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WHAT ROLE CAN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS PLAY IN DEVELOPMENT?
Typically, social movements involve individuals or groups of people that desire to bring about developmental change(s). There are various kinds of social movements; each of which delve in diverse aspects of societal development (Della & Diani, 2017, 1-2). The social movements are particular on political and social matters since they look into social changes. The different types of social movements include new movements, radical movements, reform movements and old movements. Each of these movements, regardless of their diverse contexts, has a specific role(s) to play in societal development(s).
New movements addressing feminism and gay rights have overpowered the 21st century due to the overt indulgence in these debates. Women and members from the LGBT have; for a long time, undergone discrimination whose effects are placated by the existence of social movements. To begin with, it is indubitable that feminist movements have a role(s) to play in the developing the sector(s) of gender and equality (Ryan, 2013, p.64). The feminist social movement is particularly inclined toward the realization of equality in various sectors. Even before the 21st century, women were still robbed off the opportunity to thrive in the corporate world. They were supposed to stay at home and handle domestic work while their husbands fend for the family.

Unfortunately, even today, such ‘norms’ are upheld as women are still not allowed to enjoy their independence. These feminist movements are; therefore, present to ensure that women are treated as human beings, as well (Ryan, 2013, p.64). Developmentally, it is salient that gender equality becomes a priority in the societies that believe both men and women are capable. Also, the feminist movements strived to dismiss any form(s) of physical or mental abuse toward women. There are numerous women that have suffered domestic violence under the guise of marriage. These movements ensure that women are no longer mistreated by salvaging them from marriages and unions that demean their worth.
Still on the new movements, there is an understanding that the gay rights movement deals with the well-being of the LGBT community (Papademas, 2011, p.169). These movements are inclined toward ensuring that homophobia, biphobia or transphobia do not prevail in various societies. They have been in existence since the 20th because; even then, it was difficult for people to accept same-sex unions. In the U.S., for instance, there are some early movements such as the Daughter of Bilitis (DOB) and the Mattachine Society which were formed during the mid-20th century. These were both homophile movements that strived to ensure that members of the LGBT community; in comparison with their heterosexual counterparts, received equal treatment. Even today, movements such as GLAAD are supposed to ensure that the LGBT community is thriving in safe spaces. They also develop the recognition of these minority groups by uplifting their voices in the society (Long, 2012, p.122; Papademas, 2011, p.169). These gay rights social movements mainly allow homosexuals to enjoy their freedom in phobic societies. Most of the LGBT members have undergone torture and suffered by virtue of their sexual orientation. For instance; in countries where homosexuality is illegal, these individuals are often supposed to tread in limbo to avoid exposing themselves to violence or death. They are, therefore, necessary in developing and embracing equality through accepting different sexual preferences.
Furthermore, the radical social movements are interested in either altering or changing the system(s) and law(s) in a given society. For instance; the Civil Rights Movement is supposed to ensure that all the members in a particular nation are treated equally (Ollhoff, 2011, p.6-9). Apparently, in the U.S., during the mid-20th century, there was legalized racism and discrimination. These Civil Rights Movements were supposed to bring about development by eradicating such form(s) of discrimination. There were countable instances of racial segregation in schools and workplaces making it difficult for African-Americans to thrive in America (Long, 2012, p.122; Hohle, 2013, p.3-6). The [nil] rights of minorities are addressed by these civil movements that attempt to ensure equality in the society. Again, there are radical movements such as the South African shack dwellers’ movement that look into the rights of shack dwellers (Kiersey & Doug, 2013, p.173). Inasmuch as there are some certain shack dwellers that have secured residence in the city, a good number of them still live in the shacks (Moyo, 2015, p.310-311; Kiersey & Doug, 2013, p.173). It is indeed unfair to witness these different living conditions; despite the existence of classism in the society. The South African shack dwellers’ movement works toward ensuring that these minorities acquire proper occupancy in the cities.
Additionally, the reform social movements are interested in altering the laws of a particular society. The most common form(s) of reform movements are the trade unions which are known to cater for the interests of workers (Musson, 2012, p.166). Often; they may require better compensation, improved working conditions and benefits. Some employers may not pay attention to the needs of their workers; therefore, to develop this field, it is necessary to focus on trade unions which uphold their rights. These movements [as reform movements] have the obligation of ensuring that employees are thriving in a healthy working environment (Musson, 2012, p.166-167). Importantly, there is the need to realize that reform movements also involve groups that deal with alteration of norms. There are movements that may; for instance, resort to banning pornographic films as a way of ‘bettering’ the society and reducing its rot. Access to the internet and free pornography may end up corrupting the young mind; therefore, a reform that bans its prevalence maintains some form of control in the society. The same applies to reforms that may be created to support uncouth practices such as abortion. As the name suggests, these reformations are supposed to augur developmental changes in the particular society.
Old movements involve the groups and ‘individuals’ that have; for a long time, dedicated their lives to fight for a particular group of people in the society. Some of the groups whose rights were considered included peasants, men and white people. Insofar as these movements have reforms to an extent; they mainly focus on the economical wants and needs; thereby, beating the purpose(s) of social movements. The issue(s) of white supremacy, for instance, may be realized within this movement’s threshold as there is a belief that the whites are superior to other races. The line of thought is, however, shallow and does not heed to the ‘requirements’ of a social movement since it only upholds the white people. Old movements thrive on archaic ideologies since they assume that white ‘superiority’ warrants the whites’ domination over other races. Amidst the old movements, there are peasant movements that work toward improvement of the lives of peasants in various regions. Most of the peasants underwent exploitation from money lenders or landlords; and they were salvaged by the government(s) and social movements. These old movements also comprise the men’s rights movement (MRM) which liberates men from social issues such as domestic violence, family and circumcision. The MRM advocates that feminism has somewhat led to favoritism of women and; therefore, men’s rights should also be considered (Hodapp, 2017, p. 78-79). For instance; with domestic violence, most men suffer silently in abusive marriages and relationship since society ‘forbids’ men to report such instances. Apparently; unlike the woman, they are supposed to withhold their vulnerability and avoid discussing such matters. Violence toward men is often ignored or handled jokingly with the assumption that men are supposed to be the ‘stronger’ sex (Hodapp, 2017, p.79). Developmentally though, the MRM is a movement that improves the prevalence of gender equality.
Using the different types of social movements such as new movements, radical movements, reform movements and old movements; there is an understanding of their role in development. It is relevant to embrace these social movements to ensure that equality is prevalent in various societies. Actually, most of the movements are interested in ensuring that all human beings are treated in an equal manner. Movements such as GLAAD are inclined toward adoration of homophiles; with the realization that even members of the LGBT are human beings. Additionally, racial segregation that is denounced by the Civil Rights Movements allows African-Americans to live in America in peace. Black people have experienced trauma thriving in the U.S., therefore, there is the need to have groups and individuals fighting for their rights. Most of the minority groups in different societies are salvaged by the prevalent of these social movements. They mainly work toward developing the social aspect(s) of life. However, old movements that support white supremacy, for instance, should be banned as they uphold discrimination.
References
Della Porta, D., & Diani, M. (2017). The Oxford handbook of social movements. Oxford, United Kingdom Oxford University Press.
Hohle, R. (2013). Black Citizenship and Authenticity in the Civil Rights Movement. Routledge.
Hodapp, C. (2017). Men’s Rights. Lexington Books
Kiersey, N.J., & Doug, S. (2013). Foucault and International Relations: New Critical Engagements. Routledge.
Long, M. G. (2012). Martin Luther King, Jr., homosexuality, and the early gay rights movement: keeping the dream straight? New York, Palgrave Macmillan.
Moyo, S. (2015). Land in the Struggles for Citizenship in Africa. Dakar, Sénégal : CODESRIA.
Musson, E.H. (2012). Trade Union and Social Studies. Routledge.
Ollhoff. J. (2011). Civil Rights Movement eBook (Downloadable PDF). New York, ABDO Digital.
Papademas, D. (2011). Human rights and media. Bingley, U.K., Emerald.Ryan, B. (2013). Feminism and the Women’s Movement: Dynamics of Change in Social Movement Ideology and Activism. Routledge.