Three different theories of social movements using the Civil Rights Movement and the developing Hip Hop Movement of the HSAN as examples.

Sociology 238 Urban Social Movements We must first look at what constitutes a social movement to assess the likelihood that the recent Hip-Hop Summit protests will develop into a full blown social movement. One perspective on the origins of social movements can be referred to as social strain theory. There are a few different variations of strain theory (mass society theory, collective behavior theory, and relative deprivation), which have in common the idea that the "strain" …

…of the poor and those who are underprivileged. Simmons feels it is more than just a noble goal; it also makes good business sense. Hip-hop has now grown into an international cultural phenomenon. The HSAN is now building a world-class action network to achieve worthwhile and measurable goals. I would take care not to disregard the HSAN or take it too lightly. They have to power to motivate the youth as well as the voters.