Question

During 1960's Banshi and his fellow peasant workers organised committees to fight back against the atrocities and oppressions of their landlords. This social movement strived to change the existing social and political arrangement. What is this kind of movement called?

• A. Redemptive
• B. Reformist
• C. Revolutionary
• D. Radical

Hint:

To classify a social movement, ask two questions: 1) Who is being changed (individuals or the whole society)? 2) How much change is sought (limited reform or total transformation)? A revolutionary movement targets the whole society for total transformation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question describes a social movement and asks for its classification. Social movements can be categorized based on the scope and nature of the change they seek to bring about.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's define the types of movements: Redemptive Movement: Aims for radical change in specific individuals (e.g., religious conversion movements). Reformist Movement: Aims for limited change within the existing social and political system. It seeks to improve the system, not replace it (e.g., a movement for women's suffrage). Revolutionary Movement: Aims for a fundamental, radical transformation of the entire social, political, and economic structure. It seeks to overthrow the existing system. The description states that the movement "strived to change the existing social and political arrangement." This implies a challenge to the fundamental power structure between landlords and peasants, aiming to replace it entirely, not just reform it. Such a goal is characteristic of a revolutionary movement. Step 3: Final Answer:
A movement that aims to change the entire existing social and political arrangement is classified as a revolutionary movement.