social movement

noun

1. a group of diffusely organized people or organizations striving toward a common goal relating to human society or social change, or the organized activities of such a group.

   The push for civil rights was a social movement that peaked in the 1950s and 1960s.

Word History and Origins

Origin of social movement¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

As a journalist, she writes about science, literature, social movements and health, and is at work on her third book.

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Mary Corey, a senior continuing lecturer at UCLA’s history department who studies American social movements and popular culture, said Kirk’s death disturbed her.

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The clubs’ rise reflects a broader shift in white supremacist strategy, away from formal organizations and social movements.

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At its inception, Plaid was primarily a social movement.

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"Previous social movements were important, but to be honest they didn't make me this angry," the 39-year-old photographer told the BBC.

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