Resource mobilization

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Resource Mobilization: Theories, Applications, and Emerging Trends

Introduction to Resource Mobilization Theory

Resource mobilization theory (RMT) emerged in the 1970s as scholars sought to understand the dynamics behind social movements, particularly those of the 1960s. This theory diverged from earlier views that considered social movement actors as deviant or anomic, instead focusing on how rational and often marginalized groups effectively mobilize resources to achieve social change.

Key Theoretical Variations in Resource Mobilization

Professional Organizer vs. Political Process Models

Resource mobilization theory is not monolithic; it includes several variations. The primary division is between McCarthy and Zald's "professional organizer" model and McAdam's "political process" model. The main point of contention between these models is the role of elites in the formation and development of social movements. Reconciling these differences may require revisiting the original principles of resource mobilization theory.

Expectancy-Value Theory in Social Movements

A significant expansion of resource mobilization theory involves integrating social-psychological insights, particularly expectancy-value theory. This approach posits that individuals' willingness to participate in social movements is influenced by their perceived costs and benefits. Collective and selective incentives, as well as expectations about others' behaviors, are crucial factors in this framework. Empirical studies, such as those on labor movement campaigns, support this theoretical expansion.

Applications of Resource Mobilization

Entrepreneurial Firms

Resource mobilization is not limited to social movements; it also applies to entrepreneurial ventures. Studies show that resource flows to new businesses are predicted by the total dependence between parties involved in value creation, rather than by any dependence advantage. This suggests that a theory of joint resource mobilization may be more effective than one focused on unilateral resource acquisition.

Local Social Movement Organizations

In the context of local social movements, factors such as agency, strategy, organizational structure, and national affiliation significantly influence resource mobilization. For example, local organizations opposing drinking and driving benefit from the visibility and legitimacy of national organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which energizes local leaders and enhances resource mobilization efforts.

Online Activism

The digital age has introduced new dimensions to resource mobilization. Activist organizations increasingly use their websites to gather resources necessary for influencing issues. Specific online resource mobilization efforts are linked to particular activist strategies, highlighting the interdependence between resource mobilization and strategic behavior.

Emerging Trends and Challenges

Critiques and Paradigm Shifts

Despite its dominance, resource mobilization theory faces significant challenges. Research on women's movements in the United States, for instance, identifies ten critical issues that question the theory's applicability and suggest a potential paradigm shift in the study of social movements.

Inner Resource Mobilization

Another emerging trend is the focus on mobilizing resources within individuals, particularly in medical care. Effective mobilization of external resources must align with the patient's internal resources and purposes. This holistic approach emphasizes the biological and psychological processes within individuals, highlighting the importance of internal motivation and resilience.

Automatic Effort Mobilization

Recent studies also explore the principle of resource conservation in effort mobilization. Findings indicate that automaticity effects on effort are moderated by task feasibility and success incentives. This suggests that effort mobilization is context-sensitive and limited by extreme task difficulty and low incentives.

Conclusion

Resource mobilization theory has significantly advanced our understanding of social movements and other collective actions. While it has faced critiques and challenges, its core principles continue to offer valuable insights into how resources are mobilized across various contexts. Future research and theoretical developments will likely further refine and expand this influential framework.