Alternative movement
Encyclopedia
In sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...

, an alternative movement refers to a social movement
Social movement
Social movements are a type of group action. They are large informal groupings of individuals or organizations focused on specific political or social issues, in other words, on carrying out, resisting or undoing a social change....

 that seeks limited societal change. They target a small group of people and a specific behavior, and attempt to change the behavior of individual people in relation to that issue.

It is one the four main types of social movements in sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...

: alternative, redemptive, reformative, and revolutionary.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a non-profit organization in the United States that seeks to stop drunk driving, support those affected by drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, and overall push for stricter alcohol policy...

(MADD) is an example of an alternative social movement because it targets one behavior-- drunk driving. Through its efforts, MADD has caused tougher drunk driving laws to be enacted, and thus changed peoples' behavior.

Citations

  • Gordon Marshall. "Alternative movement." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Jan. 2009
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