Wikipedia: Resource mobilization is a major sociological theory in the study of social movements which emerged in the 1970s. It emphasizes the ability of a movement’s members to 1) acquire resources and to 2) mobilize people towards accomplishing the movement’s goals.[1] In contrast to the traditional collective behaviour theory that views social movements as deviant and irrational, resource mobilization sees them as rational social institutions, created and populated by social actors with a goal of taking a political action….
Criticism
Critics point out that resource mobilization theory fails to explain social movement communities, which are large networks of individuals and other groups surrounding social movement organizations, and providing them with various services.[1] Critics also argue that it fails to explain how groups with limited resources can succeed in bringing social change and that it does not assign sufficient weight to grievances, identity and culture as well as many macro-sociological issues.[1]
marchudson.net 