Mobilization theory and new social movement theory in how each explains a social movement.

While resource mobilization theory tends to view individuals as rational actors weighing the costs and benefits of participation, new social movement theory gives more weight to the shared experiences of oppression, the development of collective identities, and the articulation of grievances in shaping movement participation and goals. Resource mobilization theory often focuses on the organizational structures and strategies employed by social movement organizations (SMOs) to leverage resources for political ends, whereas new social movement theory examines the broader social movement community, including informal networks and the cultural innovations that sustain collective action. Although distinct, these theories are not mutually exclusive, and a comprehensive understanding of social movements often benefits from considering both the strategic deployment of resources and the cultural and identity-based factors that drive mobilization and shape movement goals.

Resource mobilization theory and new social movement theory offer distinct yet sometimes complementary explanations for the emergence and dynamics of social movements. Resource mobilization theory primarily emphasizes the crucial role of resources – including tangible assets like money and infrastructure, as well as intangible ones like skills, networks, and leadership – in the development and success of social movements. It views social movements as rational endeavors, akin to other social institutions, that require effective organization and the strategic deployment of these resources to achieve their goals. The focus is on how movements gain access to and utilize these resources to mobilize individuals and exert influence within the existing political structure.

In contrast, new social movement theory emerged largely in response to the perceived limitations of resource mobilization theory in explaining the rise of post-industrial social movements, such as environmentalism, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights. It shifts the focus away from primarily material resources and political access, emphasizing the importance of identity, culture, and the construction of collective meaning in social movement formation. New social movement theory highlights how these movements often challenge dominant social norms and seek to create new identities and lifestyles, operating more within the cultural sphere and civil society than solely within the political arena. The emphasis is on shared values, consciousness-raising, and the creation of collective identities as key mobilizing factors.