New Social Movement Theory

New Social Movement Theory (NSM) explains how people organize to promote social change beyond traditional issues like economic class. It focuses on identity, culture, and values, emphasizing movements around topics like environmentalism, human rights, and gender equality. These movements often rely on collective identity and social awareness rather than traditional political or economic goals. NSM highlights how modern activism is shaped by shared ideas, cultural expression, and community involvement, making it distinct from earlier, more structured movements. It helps us understand how contemporary groups mobilize around issues related to personal identity and cultural change.