ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of how the various theories of social movements have evolved over time. It analyzes how their use of information communication technologies (ICTs) has affected the repertoire of contention they have at their disposal and the success of their endeavors. Structural strain and relative deprivation theories argued that social movements emerged among individuals who felt deprived of some goods or resources or experienced a sense of inequality in relation to others or to their expectations—in other words, people with grievances. The resource mobilization theory argued that social movements are formed by rational social actors and social movement organizations undertake strategic political action. A major point of focus among resource mobilization scholars is the role of leaders, or entrepreneurs. Social media and ICTs also allow us to think about collective identity, as well as the ability of citizens to express public dissent and organize and to hold authorities accountable, in different ways.
