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

It is the most powerful political force in Lebanon and a social movement which serves as a bulwark for Lebanon’s long-discriminated Shia communities against other sects in the country.

From BBC

Specifically, by the Black and brown women and their white allies who worked against the white supremacist elements in those social movements.

From Salon

This same principle, streamlined to “Nothing about us without us,” has underpinned popular social movements of our time.

From Salon

Asking if someone is a member is “actually the wrong question,” she said, “based on a misunderstanding about how ideas and social movements work. The NAR is incredibly diffuse by design.”

From Salon

It is also a political party with representation in parliament, and a social movement, engrained in Lebanese society, with significant support.

From BBC