Who classified social movements as reformist, transformative and revolutionary ?

The correct answer is - M.S.A. Rao

Key Points

• M.S.A. Rao
  • Known for his extensive sociological work on social movements in India.
  • He classified social movements into three distinct categories:
    • Reformist movements: Aim to bring about changes within the existing social system without overthrowing it.
    • Transformative movements: Seek fundamental changes in social structures, institutions, and norms.
    • Revolutionary movements: Strive to completely overthrow the existing social order and replace it with a new one.
  • His work provides a framework for understanding the types and goals of social movements in diverse societal contexts.
  • Widely cited in sociological literature for analyzing and categorizing movements based on their objectives and strategies.

Additional Information

• Social movements
  • Defined as organized efforts by groups of people to bring about or resist social, political, or economic change.
  • Can be broadly classified into:
    • Reform movements: Focused on improving specific aspects of society, e.g., women's rights or environmental conservation.
    • Revolutionary movements: Aim to radically change society, e.g., the Russian Revolution or Indian Independence Movement.
    • Transformative movements: Seek to change societal values and norms, e.g., the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.
• Contributions of Indian sociologists
  • Ganshyam Shah: Known for his work on grassroots movements and political mobilization in India.
  • T.K. Oommen: Focused on identity movements and social change.
  • D.N. Dhanagare: Studied peasant movements and agrarian protests in India.