Revision summary
The claim pairs old means with progressive ends. Tilly shows repertoires stick; some Indian movements fit. Digital PIL and majoritarian restoration break the pair. Touraine already mixed cultural means and new agendas. Treat means and agenda as independent variables.
Model answer
Copper italics in this answer — like this — are the key facts. Each one is unpacked in the Facts & figures rail.
Introduction
- The formula splits means and ends: old repertoires of march, shrine, and kinship, with new rights talk. Some movements fit. Many do not. Means can be networked and new; agendas can restore hierarchy.
Body
When the formula fits
- Charles Tilly’s repertoire is sticky: petition, strike, fast, and pilgrimage recur.
- Chipko and some temple-entry or shrine-based mobilisations used familiar sacred and village means for livelihood or dignity claims.
- Identity movements may use caste association form for reservation, a modern state agenda.
When it fails
- Progressive means can be digital campaigns and PIL, not primordial at all.
- Agendas may be majoritarian restoration, not emancipation.
- Alain Touraine’s new social movements already mixed cultural means and post-wage agendas.
- Farmers’ tractor marches were industrial means with mixed agrarian agendas.
Explanation
- Means and agendas vary independently. Primordial and progressive are not a necessary pair.
Flow diagram
flowchart TD MEANS[Means old or new] --> IND[Independent mix] AG[Agenda restore or reform] --> IND PAIR[Primordial means progressive agenda] --> PART[Only some cases]
Conclusion
Some Indian movements wrap new claims in old ritual means. The generalisation is false. Means can be modern and agendas conservative, or the reverse. Analyse each movement’s repertoire and aim.
Quick related
Students also ask
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Discuss the changing interface between state and civil society in post-independent India
Next question on this syllabus topic (2017 · Q5(b)). View answer →
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Is a religious fast always primordial?
As a technique it is old. As media spectacle it can be thoroughly modern.
-
Are identity movements progressive by definition?
No. Recognition claims can include equal rights or exclusive purity.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2025 · Q6(c) · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks
How can you assess the significance of social movements in the digital era? Explain -
2024 · Q6(a) · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks
Underline the role of social media in contemporary social movements and describe its challenges -
2022 · Q7(b) · Sociology GS 1 · 15 marks
Discuss how "environmentalism" can be explained with new social movements approach. -
2020 · Q8(c) · Sociology GS 1 · 15 marks
Examine how social movements come to an end. Illustrate with examples. -
2026 · Q5(e) · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks
How do different theories explain social dimensions of social movements? Discuss.
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