Which statement about social movements is generally true?

Which statement about social movements is generally true?

• A. The more extreme its position, the larger its size
• B. The more liberal its position, the larger its size
• C. The more extreme its position, the smaller its size
• D. It can only take place when courts are open to radical change in the law

Answer: (C)

In social movement dynamics, extreme demands tend to attract a smaller set of supporters, while more moderate or mainstream positions appeal to a broader base. When a movement advocates very radical or uncompromising changes, it often scares away potential allies, funders, and the general public who might otherwise sympathize with the goals. That broad coalitional support is what helps a movement grow in size, and moderating the stance can bring in people who are willing to work within existing systems or with incremental change. So the movement might stay highly energized among a devoted core, but its overall membership and public reach are likely to be smaller when its position is very extreme. The other ideas don’t fit as general truths. A position that is more extreme does not typically lead to a larger movement because it narrows the audience. While liberal or moderate positions can attract more participants in many contexts, there isn’t a universal rule that they always result in a larger movement. And movements don’t require courts to be open to radical change; many have pressed for change through protests, civil disobedience, and political mobilization outside the judiciary.

In social movement dynamics, extreme demands tend to attract a smaller set of supporters, while more moderate or mainstream positions appeal to a broader base. When a movement advocates very radical or uncompromising changes, it often scares away potential allies, funders, and the general public who might otherwise sympathize with the goals. That broad coalitional support is what helps a movement grow in size, and moderating the stance can bring in people who are willing to work within existing systems or with incremental change. So the movement might stay highly energized among a devoted core, but its overall membership and public reach are likely to be smaller when its position is very extreme.

The other ideas don’t fit as general truths. A position that is more extreme does not typically lead to a larger movement because it narrows the audience. While liberal or moderate positions can attract more participants in many contexts, there isn’t a universal rule that they always result in a larger movement. And movements don’t require courts to be open to radical change; many have pressed for change through protests, civil disobedience, and political mobilization outside the judiciary.