Social Media and Social Movements in the Digital Age: A Multi-Factor Analytical Framework (in the Context of South Asia: India, Nepal and Bangladesh)

Abstract

Social movements in the 21st century are increasingly becoming multidimensional, network-based, and influenced by digital communication. While traditional social movement theories emphasize various factors—such as collective behavior, relative deprivation, resource mobilization, political opportunities, identity, and networks—fully comprehending the complexity of contemporary movements through any single theory remains a significant challenge. In this context, the present study proposes a multi-factor analytical framework for analyzing contemporary social movements. This framework integrates structural factors (social, political, economic, and cultural) with leadership, organization, and resources; the digital communication ecosystem (social media, digital networks, and mainstream media); public mobilization (encompassing public awareness, public opinion, citizen participation, and collective action); government response; and movement outcomes. Based on a qualitative and conceptual research design, the study employs secondary sources and analytical observation to conduct a comparative analysis of the Anna Movement, the Nirbhaya Movement (2012), the CAA protests (2019–20), the Farmers' Movement, July Uprising/Quota Reform Movement (Bangladesh-2024) Nepal’s Gen-Z movement, and the CJP movement. The study reveals that there is no necessarily fixed linear or sequential relationship among these factors; rather, they interact dynamically based on the context, thereby influencing the trajectory and outcomes of the movement. The study’s primary contribution is not to replace existing theories but to synthesize their complementary insights into a dynamic, non-linear, and integrated analytical framework.