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Essay / Social Movements: The Environmental Movement - 1244
David E. Wilkins once said: “An essential element in almost all effective social movements is leadership. For it is through intelligent, persistent, authoritative leaders that a movement generates the appropriate concepts and language that capture the frustrations, anger, or fear of group members and place responsibility where it is warranted. Social movements are defined as fundamental means by which social change occurs in societies, often carrying innovations that shape attitudes, define public issues, and affect social policy in diverse ways. The theory is that for a movement to be recognized and supported by a broad population, the campaign must be willing to compete for the support of people in a multi-organizational area. Many activists who are part of social movements maintain relationships with like-minded people, allowing them to recruit through their broader networks. There have been many campaigns for many causes in the past, such as the agrarian populist movement, the labor movement, and the progressive movement. However, one movement that has remained effective and consistent is the environmental movement in the United States. Holding its title as the oldest social movement, the Environmental Movement was able to predate other established modern movements due to its historical development, diverse support system, and economic resources. The Environmental Movement was created about 150 years ago in the United States. late 19th century, and since then the organization has grown into a significant crusade. They began with early conservation movements focused on wildlife, the water system, and soil conservation. Since then, they have expanded...... middle of paper ......is something of a way for the movement to continue despite social changes. The Environmental Movement is an impeccable representation of what all social movements should be. They managed to maintain their position throughout 150 years and during these years, America grew in extraordinary ways and managed to modify itself to adapt to modern times. Their support system varies not only based on their racial background, but also based on their social class and economic background. The success of the campaign can be measured by the measures taken to adapt to society and its ability to promote a considerable number of groups. Future social movements should take note of what the environmental movement has managed to accomplish that others have not if they want to ensure their success. Works Cited Robbins, Richard H. Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism. 6th ed. Np: Pearson, 2013. Print.