We are motivated to speak out against harmful practices when we see them, be it mistreatment of refugees, or animal brutality through factory farming. We have the ability to make a better world by demanding change. In its most basic form, activism is the act of confronting those in authority with the goal of changing society and advancing the common good.
In this article, we’ll explore what activism is and 15 popular types of activism that have made significant impacts worldwide.
Historical Background
Throughout human history, activism has shaped cultures and confronted injustices worldwide, making it a defining force. Activism has been crucial in bringing about significant social change, as shown in the 19th-century abolitionist movement, which fought bravely to abolish the inhumanity of slavery, and the suffragette movement, which courageously campaigned for women’s voting rights. These movements demanded equality and justice and were more than isolated incidents; they were strong waves of mass mobilisation that reverberated around the world.
Prominent individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi have come to represent activism. Numerous global campaigns for independence and civil rights were sparked by Gandhi’s nonviolence movement. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiring lectures and nonviolent demonstrations for racial equality ignited the American civil rights movement. Nelson Mandela demonstrated the strength of endurance and resiliency in the face of institutionalised oppression via his unwavering battle against racism in South Africa. These leaders not only ignited positive changes but gave people a beacon of hope and reminded them to continually shape the world for the better.
What is Activism?
You must’ve questioned “What is Activism?” To put it plainly, it is the act of advocating for change, whether it be social activism, animal activism, environmental activism, or performative activism. In an attempt to alter society, it entails actions taken to advance, hamper, guide, or interfere with social, political, economic, or environmental reform. Activism has always been important in reshaping society because it confronts injustices and encourages justice, equity, and equality. At its core, activism involves advocacy, mobilisation, and engagement. The goals of activism can range from legislative reform and social awareness to cultural shifts and community development.
Who are Activists?
It is a misperception that you have to be an expert on a subject or have to hold an authority to be an activist. Anyone who actively supports positive change is known as an activist. They are motivated by an ambition to address injustices, advance equality, and enhance different facets of society. Activists advocate for specific causes, mobilise supporters, and engage in various activities to raise awareness and drive change.
We should give activists credit for any meaningful development in society. They work on problems including unfair labour practices, gender discrimination, racial inequality, and much more everywhere in the world. All activists desire a better world, regardless of the differences in their unique views and objectives.
Now let’s move ahead & discuss the different kinds and forms of popular activism that are practised in our contemporary times.
Forms of Activism
Activism is defined as any group effort that brings attention to a problem; there is no one right way to do it. While rallies and demonstrations are considered its classic forms, activists frequently turn to unconventional or destructive forms of activism in the event that their prior efforts are disregarded. Some of the most basic & popular types of activism include:
- Demonstrations and protests: It refers to public gatherings to voice collective opinions or demands
- Strikes: Workers stop working to demand better conditions or policies
- Boycotts: Refusing to purchase or support products/services from companies engaged in unethical practices.
- Online Campaigns: Using social media and online platforms to spread awareness and mobilise support.
- Civil Disobedience: Deliberately breaking laws to highlight injustice
15 Popular Types of Activism
Social Activism
The goal of social activism is to bring attention to and correct social injustices and inequality. Fair resource allocation and the reconstruction of societal institutions that generate and sustain inequality are core demands of the social justice movement. It includes movements that support racial justice, gender equality, civil rights, and the rights of LGBTQ+ people. For instance, the American Civil Rights Movement, headed by individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr., sought to eradicate racial discrimination and segregation.
Political Activism
“Political activism” refers to the variety of not compensated, non-professional acts carried out by people with the intention of influencing choices and results within the political framework. It is the process of using advocacy, protests, and lobbying in order to alter laws and policies. It seeks to force modifications to legislation and hold political officials responsible. The Suffragette Movement in the early 20th century which battled for women’s voting rights is the best example of political activism.
Cultural Activism
Using or producing cultural works—such as music, movies, literature, and art—to promote social change is known as cultural activism. This idea combines activism and artistic expression with the goal of promoting social justice or igniting sociopolitical change in the community. Artists use their art to question social conventions and injustices such as the “Harlem Renaissance”, which promoted African American culture, and indigenous tribes that used storytelling and traditions to preserve their cultural legacy.
Performative Activism
Performative activism describes activities that prioritise publicly expressing enthusiasm for a cause over really bringing about meaningful change. Instead of making significant efforts, it frequently entails symbolic gestures. For instance, people may discuss social justice concerns on social media with no taking any additional action, while businesses may issue comments endorsing movements such as Black Lives Matter without really changing any relevant policies. Since performative activism puts appearance above impact, it can divert attention away from sincere efforts.
Youth Activism
Advocating for topics that impact today’s generation, like social justice, education reform, and climate change, is what youth activism means. Two such initiatives include the student-led March for Our Lives, which calls for gun regulation in the US, and Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future movement, which uses student strikes to combat climate change. Youth activists significantly alter society by bringing new viewpoints, vigour, and urgency to pressing problems.
Human Rights Activism
Advocating for the preservation and advancement of core human rights is known as human rights activism. For instance, Malala Yousafzai’s support of girls’ education. Human rights advocates strive to guarantee that each person has access to rights and liberties, including equality, freedom of speech, and healthcare and education.
Environmental Activism
The social movement known as environmental activism seeks to establish sustainable living by defending the environment against damaging environmental activities. With an emphasis on the pressing need for ecological protection, environmental activism seeks to advance sustainable behaviours and laws to preserve the earth for coming generations.Organisations like Greenpeace, which fights environmental damage, and individual activists like Greta Thunberg, who has sparked worldwide climate strikes, are two examples of environmental activism.
Animal Activism
In order to put a stop to animal abuse and exploitation, animal activism emphasises promoting the rights and well-being of animals. It emphasises the value of moral and compassionate behaviour by working to preserve animal rights through legislation, promoting humane treatment, and increasing public awareness of animal suffering. Animal activism focuses on eliminating the use of animals for study, food, clothing, and entertainment, as well as their status as property. PETA‘s (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) efforts against industrial farming and animal testing are prime examples of animal activism.
Consumer Activism
Activists that aim to change the production or delivery of goods and services are known as consumer activists. It entails promoting moral behaviour and ethical business operations. Examples include supporting fair trade goods and abstaining from businesses that engage in unethical labour practices.
Economic Activism
Using economic influence to bring about transformation is known as economic activism. Economic activism is a tactic used by both liberal and conservative groups to outbid or boycott businesses and organisations that disagree with their specific social, religious, or political beliefs. Examples include efforts for wealth redistribution or anti-poverty initiatives, as well as labour movements that support fair salaries and improved working conditions.
Using their position as shareholders, investors can use shareholder activism to pressure a company’s management team to adopt more moral and environmentally friendly practices. Shareholder Activism, for instance, has the power to influence corporate governance by pushing for following better regulations or increased transparency. One instance of this is when investors put pressure on businesses to implement more comprehensive climate change plans.
Educational Activism
Reforming and enhancing educational systems is the goal of educational activism. Education activists claim that everyone has a fundamental right to obtain high-quality education. This might involve movements for school reform, campaigns for educational equity, and support for more financing for education.
Grassroots Activism
Using collaborative effort at the local level, grassroots activism aims to bring about change on a local, regional, national, or worldwide scale. Instead of using top-down strategies, this type of activism depends on grassroots initiatives and community involvement. Grassroots activism now aims to impact societal concerns like affordable housing, income disparity, climate change, reproductive rights, and racial bias.
Community Activism
Grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing local communities constitute community activism. Community activism includes projects like neighbourhood clean-ups, local development projects, and community organisation. Often the cornerstone of grassroots movement, community activism gives locals the capacity to bring about change.
Health Activism
Health activism includes promoting equity in health contexts, raising public awareness of health-related issues and behaviours, and trying to improve population health and wellbeing. It includes initiatives to address public health emergencies, reduce tobacco use, and raise awareness of mental health issues. The supporters of health activism encourage healthy lives and make sure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare.
How Can You Contribute to Social Change/Activism?
Many of the constructive improvements in society are largely the result of the efforts of activists. Others are inspired to join them in their causes and strive for a better world by their zeal, resolve, and dedication to justice. There are a wide range of activism options, from shareholder activism to animal activism, providing people with multiple avenues to effect significant change.
Everybody may contribute to activism with their special abilities and skills. Use your talents to further your cause, whether you’re a tech-savvy person, writer, artist, or organiser. Any input, regardless of size, has the potential to have an impact. Think about the ways in which your abilities can be applied to various forms of activism, such as shareholder, environmental, or animal activism.
We can better appreciate activists’ contributions and discover methods to support and participate in activism ourselves if we have a deeper grasp of activists and the roles they play. Maintain relationships with other activists, exchange stories, keep learning, and make contributions to social change.
“Activism is the rent I pay for living on this planet.”
– Alice Walker