10.3c2 Resource Mobilization Theory

Scholars who have empirically researched social movements have also found that a social movement is more likely to be successful if it can effectively mobilize resources. Resource mobilization theory posits that when a group secures the resources needed to take collective action, it can act (Jenkins, 1983; Staggenborg, 2016; DeFronzo & Gill, 2020). To be successful, a social movement organization needs money and people committed to the cause. In a study of environmental volunteer activist leaders, researchers learned what resources leaders needed to help their social movement succeed. They found that access to time, community support, social relationships, money, volunteers, and network connections were all resources that supported their work as leaders of environmental social movement organizations (Gulliver et al., 2023). For example, having motivated, skilled volunteers who could work independently made it easier for the leaders to focus on the organization’s goals.

Photo 10.13

Social Movements Can Make a Difference When They Can Leverage Their Volunteers