Why ‘new’ social movements are called ‘new’? Write it’s features in brief.

New social movements are termed as "new" to distinguish them from earlier forms of social movements, particularly those associated with the labor movement, class-based struggles, and traditional political parties. The emergence of new social movements in the latter half of the 20th century marked a shift in the nature, objectives, and tactics of collective action, reflecting changes in social, economic, cultural, and political contexts. These movements are characterized by several distinctive features that set them apart from earlier forms of social mobilization:

1. Post-materialist Orientation:
   New social movements are often characterized by a post-materialist orientation, emphasizing issues of identity, culture, lifestyle, and quality of life rather than purely economic or material concerns. Unlike traditional labor movements focused on class-based interests and economic redistribution, new social movements address issues such as environmentalism, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, indigenous rights, peace, and human rights. These movements reflect the growing importance of non-economic values, cultural diversity, and personal autonomy in contemporary societies.

2. Identity Politics:
   New social movements are closely associated with identity politics, which prioritize the recognition, representation, and rights of marginalized or oppressed groups based on factors such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, and nationality. These movements seek to challenge dominant power structures, cultural norms, and social hierarchies that perpetuate discrimination, exclusion, and inequality. Identity-based movements mobilize around collective identities, narratives, symbols, and experiences to assert claims for recognition, dignity, and justice.

3. Decentralized and Networked Organizing:
   New social movements often employ decentralized, networked, and horizontal forms of organizing that emphasize participatory democracy, grassroots mobilization, and collective decision-making. Unlike hierarchical and centralized organizations characteristic of traditional social movements, new social movements rely on informal networks, affinity groups, social media, and digital technologies to facilitate communication, coordination, and mobilization among diverse constituencies. This horizontal organizing structure enables flexibility, adaptability, and inclusivity, allowing movements to respond quickly to changing circumstances and engage a wide range of actors.

4. Cultural Resistance and Lifestyle Activism:
   New social movements engage in cultural resistance and lifestyle activism, challenging dominant cultural norms, consumerist values, and modes of socialization. These movements use creative and expressive forms of protest, including art, music, performance, and storytelling, to critique existing power structures, foster solidarity, and inspire social change. Lifestyle activism involves enacting alternative practices, behaviors, and lifestyles that embody values of sustainability, social justice, and community solidarity, such as veganism, minimalism, and alternative forms of consumption.

5. Transnationalism and Globalization:
   New social movements are increasingly transnational and global in scope, forging connections, alliances, and solidarity across national borders and cultures. Globalization processes, such as economic integration, technological advancement, and cultural exchange, facilitate transnational activism and the diffusion of ideas, strategies, and resources among movements worldwide. Transnational advocacy networks, social forums, and digital communication platforms provide spaces for collaboration, mutual support, and solidarity among activists and organizations working on shared issues and causes.

6. Emphasis on Non-institutional Politics:
   New social movements often prioritize non-institutional forms of politics, such as direct action, civil disobedience, and protest, over conventional political channels and institutions. These movements challenge the legitimacy and efficacy of existing political institutions and practices, advocating for alternative forms of democratic participation, decision-making, and governance. By mobilizing outside formal political structures, new social movements seek to reclaim public spaces, disrupt power relations, and amplify marginalized voices in the pursuit of social justice and systemic change.

In summary, new social movements are distinguished by their post-materialist orientation, identity politics, decentralized organizing, cultural resistance, transnationalism, and emphasis on non-institutional politics. These movements represent a shift towards more inclusive, participatory, and culturally resonant forms of collective action that reflect the changing dynamics of contemporary societies and the aspirations of diverse social groups for greater recognition, equality, and empowerment.