Resource mobilization theory and the political process theory have been developed in the field of sociology, with the aim of explaining the development of the social movements. Resource mobilization theory is one of the major theories in sociology that emerged in 1970's.This theory is an explanation of the developments of the social movements by concentrating on how the movements gain momentum through successfully garnering resources, posing competition with other movements, as well as mobilizing the available resources. The political theory, on the other hand, is a social movement approach that is heavily influenced by the political sociology. These two theories differ in that the resource mobilization theory emphasizes on the members ability to acquire resources, along with mobilizing individuals towards the accomplishment of the goals of the movement. The political theory, on the other hand, provides an argument that the failures or the success of the social movements is usually affected by the political opportunities.
According to the resource mobilization theory, individuals tend to be rational. This is because; the individuals weigh the costs and the benefits of one's participation in the movement. These participants only act in instances where the costs outweigh the benefits. The political process theory, on the other hand, is whereby individuals act in an irrational manner. It is the representatives of the individuals of the rational process who make a decision on the behalf of the members. In this case, there is no weighing of the costs and the benefits. The representatives of the people end up coming with decisions that aim at satisfying or rather fulfilling their selfish interests.
The resource mobilization also concentrated among other things on the pre-existing organizations resources that are already in operation within the movement constituencies that are independent of the external support. The focus of the political movement on the other hand, was in the analytical attention that provided a link between the goals of the shared social change of the constituencies as well as the ability to acquire political resources.
The resource mobilization theory and the political process theory can also be differentiated on the requisites for the formation of a movement. For instance, resource mobilization theory argues that the social movements develop when the individuals who are faced with grievances are in a position of resource mobilization that will help them in taking action. In this regard, the emphasis that is placed on resources gives an explanation as to why the disoriented or deprived individuals are capable of organizing, while others are not. It is, therefore, evident that the resource mobilization theory puts the resources at the center of the emergence along with the success of the movements.
The resources under the resource mobilization theory include knowledge, solidarity, legitimacy, as well as the support from the powerful elite. On the other hand, the political process argues that there are three vital components that are needed in the formation of a movement. These are; political opportunities, insurgent unconsciousness, and organizational strength. In addition, the political process theory argues that all the three components are essential to the formation of a successful movement.
However, it should be noted that organizational strength as one of the prerequisites for the formation of a movement under the political process theory falls in line with resource mobilization theory. This is because, in order for a social movement to organize, such movement must have sufficient resources and strong leadership. The political process theory, on the other hand, addresses the element of timing in the emergence of social movements, while the resource mobilization theory does not offer such provisions. This makes the political process theory to be advantageous over the resource mobilization theory.
When it comes to the compatibility of the two theories, resource mobilization theory is first of all incompatible. This is because; it puts more emphasis on resources especially the financial resources for the formation of a movement. Research indicates that such movements will still be effective even if there is no influx of money and are also more dependent upon the time and labor that are provided by its members. On the other hand, the political process theory seems to be compatible in that it emphasizes the three vital components that should be intertwined for the formation of a social movement. These components are organizational strength, political opportunities and insurgent unconsciousness.
The critics of the political process theory and the resource mobilization theory claim that neither of these two theories provides a discussion on the movement to any degree. This led to the development of the culture theory that was developed as a result of the political process and the resource mobilization theories though it extends them in two ways. Last but not least, the two theories, that is the political process theory, and the resource mobilization theory cannot be integrated into a single framework. This is because; these theories have an opposing view to the formation of a social movement. The other reason is that the two theories have many differences than similarities; therefore integrating both of them into a single framework will require many adjustments on each.
Bibliography
Coy, Patrick G. Research in Social Movements, Conflicts, and Change. United Kingdom: Emerald, 2011. Internet resources.
Orum, Anthony M, and John G. Dale. Introduction to Political Sociology: Power and Participation in the Modern World. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.
