The Political Opportunity Structure Theory

The Political Opportunity Structure (POS) Theory explains how social movements succeed or fail based on the political environment. It suggests that when the political landscape becomes more open—such as during elections, policy shifts, or decreased repression—groups have better chances to influence change. Conversely, restrictive or hostile political contexts can hinder their efforts. Essentially, the theory highlights that the success of activism depends not just on the group's actions but also on the broader political opportunities and constraints they face at a given time.