A social movement is defined as sustained collective action over time. Such action is often directed against the state and takes the form of demanding changes in state policy or practice. Collective action must be marked by some degree of organisation. This organisation may include a leadership and a structure that defines how members relate to each other, make decisions and carry them out. Those participating in a social movement share common objectives and ideologies. A social movement has a general orientation to bring or prevent change over the course of its life. There are important components of a social movement; they are interdependent and influence each other. The objective of the movement changes from narrow, particular issues to broad aims for social transformation. Ideology provides direction for evolving strategies and programmes and also keeps the participants together by developing a feeling of collectiveness. Various strategies and programmes are evolved to mobilise the people. Leadership, which initiates or emerges in the course of the growth of the movement, plays a crucial role in articulating ideologies and objectives and maintaining the spirit of the participants.
A social movement is oriented towards
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