Understanding Social Movement Characteristics

A social movement is a group activity aimed at bringing about or resisting social change. Key features define these movements. Let's analyze the options provided:

Analyzing Movement Features

• Shared objective: Social movements unite people around a common goal or purpose. This is a fundamental characteristic.
• Sustained collective action: Movements involve organized and ongoing efforts by groups of people to achieve their objectives. This is essential for a movement's progress.
• To bring social change: The primary aim of most social movements is to influence or alter societal norms, structures, or policies. This defines their purpose.
• Self-orientation: This implies a focus on individual needs and benefits rather than the collective goals of the group. Social movements are inherently collective and outward-focused, aiming for broader societal impact, not individual gain. Therefore, self-orientation is contrary to the nature of a social movement.

Identifying the Non-Characteristic

Based on the analysis, 'Self-orientation' focuses on individual benefit, which contrasts with the collective and societal focus required for a social movement. The other options (shared objective, sustained collective action, and the goal of social change) are core features of any social movement.

Thus, Self-orientation is not a feature of a social movement.