On novelty of modern social movements

Social movements are one of the most dynamic organizational forms. They quickly adapt to new social conditions, accumulate new ideas. In a changing society associations get new forms, develop interaction mechanisms. In the article specific signs of modern Russian movements are defined; their novelty is described. Domestic and foreign researchers offer the following signs as criteria for "novelty": a broad social base, new forms of activity, modern themes and repertoire of actions, a certain social context. From the beginning of 1980s social movements acquired new features. They became global, transnational not only in the purposes, but also in coverage. In western societies movements are numerous and well known in the society. They set universal tasks before themselves and use new forms of interaction. Global associations play a significant role. In Russia popularity of transnational movements is low. They do not render great influence on public life. New Russian movements have their specificity. Associations of the Soviet period rigidly regulated activity. Modern movements have other way of creation. Change of the political system promoted formation of associations, research groups, and voluntary associations. New associations have social orientation. They are created for concentrating attention on new ideas and values. The results of a sociological research show that participants of modern movements in Russia try to draw attention of the society to solving public problems and problems of separate social groups. Russian movements have certain hierarchy. The simplest hierarchy is the organizational kernel consisting of functionaries, constant participants and the participants involved in concrete actions. They have auniform purpose, role positions, and possess sufficient efficiency. It is support of the leader, work on solving certain problems. Each movement has its program, charter, appropriately registered constituent documents, rules and norms regulating the behaviour of participants. The author comes to a conclusion that new social movements promote formation of certain tolerance in relation to various social groups, which were not accepted earlier by the society, were exposed to discrimination. They form a new attitude to the society, the person, and nature. New movements assume alternative models of the present. They serve as a protection frame of individual and collective interests, form a new way of life, and give ample opportunities of choice in the field of beliefs and values.

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