Question

question 24
which of the following people would be most likely to join a social movement?

a single mother who works nights as a stocker at a grocery store and has relatives both in the deep south and on the west coast

a young woman who attends college and is involved in campus government and volunteers for local and state political campaigns

an average student who spends a lot of time smoking marijuana and switches majors several times

a disaffected loner, taking lots of math classes, but without a real social life or a good outlet to make friends or form romantic relationships

Explanation:

Analyze sociological theories of social movement participation

Sociological research shows that individuals are most likely to join social movements if they have "biographical availability" (lack of structural constraints like full-time demanding jobs or family responsibilities) and are already socially integrated, politically active, or connected to existing social networks.

Evaluate the given options against recruitment theories

• Option 1: A single mother working night shifts has severe structural constraints (lack of biographical availability).
• Option 2: A college student active in campus government and political campaigns has high biographical availability, strong social integration, and active political networks, making her the most likely recruit.
• Option 3: An unintegrated student switching majors lacks the social ties and political efficacy typically associated with movement recruitment.
• Option 4: A disaffected loner lacks the social networks and ties that serve as the primary pathways into social movements.

Answer:

• (A) A single mother who works nights as a stocker at a grocery store and has relatives both in the deep south and on the west coast
• (B) A young woman who attends college and is involved in campus government and volunteers for local and state political campaigns (Correct answer)
• (C) An average student who spends a lot of time smoking marijuana and switches majors several times
• (D) A disaffected loner, taking lots of math classes, but without a real social life or a good outlet to make friends or form romantic relationships