Topic 4: Social movements

Significant changes have occurred in society since 1750. These have been brought about by new ideas that led to movements campaigning for social change, including improved access to civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and linguistic rights. A number of factors determined the impetus to build a ‘better world’. These included the impact of industrialisation and democratisation, new goals for universal primary education, the emergence of international human rights standards, and the move towards urbanisation and globalisation. The extent of the social, economic, cultural, and political changes had benefits and disadvantages depending on different circumstances and perspectives.

Students undertake a study of one or more significant movements for social change. They investigate ways in which people, groups, and institutions challenge and adapt civil and political structures, social and cultural organisation, and economic models.

This study may include, but is not limited to:

• workers’ movements
• women’s movements
• student movements
• LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning) rights movements 
• peace and anti-war movements 
• civil rights movements 
• environmental movements
• language rights movements. 

The following are focus areas for study in this topic:

• An overview of the ideology, aims, methods, and structures of movements for change.
• The economic, social, political, cultural, and intellectual conditions that gave rise to a movement for change.
• The contribution of particular people, institutions, and groups.
• The methods employed by institutions, people, and groups to promote and resist change. Examples include protest marches, civil disobedience/passive resistance, and violence.
• The short-term and long-term influence and legacy of the movement, and changing perspectives and representations of the movement over time.