Poverty and Social Movements

Although the poverty has always been regarded as the main cause of social problems and protest movements, the relationship between those key concepts has not been a clear one. The definition of poverty and social movement and the relationship between the two have been subject to much confusion which stems from the fact that neither poverty nor social movements are neutral concepts. They are culturally bond and to a great degree change based upon the affiliations and class biases of those studying them. For this reason the paper at first has attempted to present various meanings which are available for both concept and review main approaches which have tried to show the relationship between poverty and social movements. Secondly in brief, the historical changes which are Important in studying the role of poverty in social movements both in western societies and the Third World are mentioned. In this regard, the role of globalization from the above and the gradual weakening of the organized labor movements are singled out. At the end it is claimed that however due to class polarization, a radicalization of all movements especially those which are directly related to urban poor seems inevitable, for the rime being most of the social movements ate non violent, inter-systemic aimed at well defined and limited demands. Thus governments by acknowledging the rights of masses to protest can prevent more destructive types of collective actions.