Resource Mobilization Theory Essay

Resource mobilization theory (John D. McCarthy and Mayer Zald) argues that the success of any social movement depends on its ability to gather the resources essential to its existence. Therefore, the movement should not only depend on the existence grievances and informal structures as a mean to achieve its success but it should also develop an effective way to bring in donations and activists, create networks of relationships with people in power and develop effective organizational structures.( John D. McCarthy and Mayer N. Zald)
From this brief description of the Resource Mobilization theory, we may conclude that Resources Mobilization theory represents the prefect vehicle to examine MoveOn.org model, the movement relays totally on the enthusiasm manifested by its members toward a petition. This enthusiasm shall significantly influence the number of activists, the amount of donations collected and the relationships with the different stake holders. Therefore it shall determine the degree of success of the action.
MoveOn.org is by nature an …show more content…
MoveOn.org is a clear application of the resource mobilization theory, it has put in place mechanism that emphasizes its member’s hence harnessing their full support. Thus, as an organization, MoveOn.org that doesn’t impose petitions or plans of action as most of social movement do. In contrary, it’s open to public petitions, if a petition gains traction, MoveOn.org takes in charge the grievance and starts organizing, educating and guiding petitioner. MoveOn.org goal is to teach the petitioner how to collect donations, attract new member and organize protest. At the end, we can say that MoveOn.org ultimate goal is not a grievance or an issue by itself but the ultimate goal is to gather necessary resources for a social movement to