ABSTRACT
This chapter, both political science and social movement approaches are considered in an attempt to identify common themes and develop an understanding of motivations behind joining which will be used as a framework for analysis. A review of social movement theory as it has developed over the years reveals one overwhelming tendency–a shift from the micro-level of analysis to the broad macro accounts, although some attempts have been made to integrate these explanations, to build micro-macro bridges. The concept of 'political opportunity structure' was used to describe a set of factors which facilitate or constrain the development of social movements. Political process theorists focus on a wide range of political, social, economic and cultural factors to explain the development and impact of social movements. 'The definition of social movements as conscious actors making rational choices is among the most important innovations of the resource mobilisation approach'.
