Resource mobilization

Resource mobilization is a social theory related to the study of social movements. It focuses on the ability of the members of the movement to acquire resources and and mobilize people in order to advance their goals.([1])

In resource mobilization, a core group of sophisticated strategists works to harness the disaffected energies, attract money and supporters, capture the media’s attention, forge alliances with those in power, and create an organizational structure. This theory assumes that without such resources, the social movement cannot be effective, and that dissent alone is not enough to result in any social change.

This theory is based on the assumptions that humans are rational. views social movements as an goal-oriented activity. Organization is more important then acquisition of the resources, or the resources themselves. It focuses on interactions between social movement organizations (SMOs) and other organizations (other SMOs, businesses, governments, etc.). Organization infrastructure is another aspect of study in this approach.

Critiques note that this theory fails to account for social change brought by the groups with limited resources.