Sociologists David Mauss and Blumer (later systematised by Christiansen and Levinson) identified that social movements typically pass through recognisable stages of development. VCE Sociology uses a four-stage model: emergence, coalescence, bureaucratisation, and decline.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Social movements are not static — they evolve through predictable stages. Understanding which stage a movement is in helps predict its dynamics: its tactics, its internal challenges, and its likely future trajectory.
Characteristics:
- A growing awareness that a problem or injustice exists
- Initial grievance or “agitation” — discontent is becoming visible but is not yet organised
- No formal organisation; activity is scattered and uncoordinated
- “Seeds” of movement consciousness: cultural expressions of discontent (art, music, literature, informal conversations)
- Small groups or individuals begin to name the problem and seek others who share their concerns
Australian Example — Marriage Equality:
- 1970s–1990s: growing awareness among LGBTQ+ Australians that legal exclusion from marriage constituted discrimination; informal advocacy; early media attention
EXAM TIP: The emergence stage is often the hardest to date precisely because it lacks formal organisation. Be careful not to confuse the beginning of public visibility with the beginning of the movement — emergence often precedes visible public activity.
Characteristics:
- The movement becomes organised and defined; leadership emerges
- Members coalesce around a clear set of demands or goals
- Collective identity is formed and strengthened
- Tactics become coordinated (marches, petitions, campaigns, media strategies)
- Alliances are formed with other groups; public visibility increases
- The movement begins to attract broader support and media attention
Australian Example — Marriage Equality:
- 2000s–2015: formation of organisations (Australian Marriage Equality, Equal Love); coordinated national campaigns; rallies; high-profile public advocates (politicians, celebrities); growing public support in polls
Characteristics:
- The movement becomes formally organised with paid staff, official leadership structures, dedicated resources, and established procedures
- More professional, strategic, and less spontaneous than earlier stages
- Potential internal tensions: between more radical founding members (who want to maintain pressure) and pragmatic leaders (who want to negotiate and work within the system)
- The movement may become more conservative or moderate as it seeks mainstream legitimacy
- Alliances with political parties and institutional actors become more prominent
Australian Example — Marriage Equality:
- 2015–2017: professional advocacy organisations; collaboration with parliamentary advocates; national postal survey (2017) as the political vehicle; highly organised “Yes” campaign with media, advertising, and field operations
COMMON MISTAKE: Students sometimes describe bureaucratisation as the “peak” of a movement’s power. In fact, bureaucratisation can also signal the beginning of co-optation — as movements become more institutionalised, they may lose their capacity for radical disruption.
Social movements decline in several possible ways:
| Mode of Decline | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Movement achieves its goals; the problem it addressed is resolved | Marriage equality achieved (2017); movement disbands or pivots |
| Co-optation | Movement’s demands are partially absorbed by institutions; radical edge is lost | Environmental movement incorporated into government policy processes; loses grassroots pressure |
| Repression | The state or powerful groups forcibly suppress the movement | Early Indigenous activism suppressed by colonial authorities |
| Fragmentation | Internal divisions divide and weaken the movement | Splits over strategy (radical vs moderate); identity conflicts |
| Failure | Movement fails to achieve goals and loses momentum, members, and resources | Many 1970s social movements that did not achieve legislative change |
Australian Example — Marriage Equality:
- Post-2017: success; organisations like Australian Marriage Equality wound down or pivoted to new issues (LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination protections; trans rights)
REMEMBER: Decline does not always mean failure. The most positive form of decline is achieving the movement’s goals. When writing about a specific movement’s current stage, consider whether it is still active, has succeeded, has been co-opted, or has fragmented.
