​Neil J. Smelser proposed six value added elements which are necessary for a social movement to emerge.

A. Structural Strain

B. Structural Conduciveness

C. Generaliastion beliefs and precipitating factors

D. Mobilisation for action

E. Charismatic leadership

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

A, B, D, C only

Neil J. Smelser, in his Value-Added Theory of social movements, proposed six value-added elements that must be in place for a social movement to emerge. These elements explain how different factors contribute to the formation and success of a social movement. The six elements are:

1. Structural Strain (A)

   • Structural strain refers to the societal tensions or conflicts that arise due to social, economic, or political pressures, which create the conditions necessary for a social movement to form.

2. Structural Conduciveness (B)

   • This refers to the social environment being conducive to the emergence of a movement. If the social structure is open to change, or if there are opportunities for social change, then the movement can gain momentum.

3. Generalisation of beliefs and precipitating factors (C)

   • This element involves the development of shared beliefs or ideologies that define the movement's goals. Precipitating factors are events or incidents that trigger the movement, often accelerating its formation.

4. Mobilisation for Action (D)

   • Mobilisation refers to the organization and collective action required to move people from passive support to active participation in the social movement.

5. Charismatic Leadership (E)

   • While charismatic leadership can be an important component in the emergence of a social movement, it is not necessarily a value-added element in Smelser's framework. Charismatic leadership often helps guide or inspire the movement, but it is not a required condition.

Thus, the correct sequence includes A, B, D, and C.

Information Booster:

• Smelser's theory emphasizes that social movements are complex, dynamic processes that require multiple factors to come together.
• The theory highlights the importance of collective beliefs, social structure, and leadership in the emergence of a movement.
• Structural strain and mobilisation are crucial to energizing and unifying people for collective action.
• Charismatic leadership is often present but not always necessary for a movement to form.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Option (a) E, C, B, A only – Incorrect, as charismatic leadership (E) is not one of Smelser's primary value-added elements.
• Option (b) D, B, A, C only – Incorrect because mobilization for action (D) should come after structural strain (A) and structural conduciveness (B).
• Option (d) B, C, D, E only – Incorrect because structural strain (A) is a necessary factor in Smelser’s theory and is missing here.