Contrast Societies. Radical Social Movements and their relationships with their target societies. A theoretical model

Abstract

This article provides a theoretical model conceptualising the mechanisms of interaction between Radical Social Movements and their environments. Key to understanding this interaction in the theory presented are the movement's ideology, target groups, infrastructure, and internal hierarchies. Named “Contrast Society”, this sphere of interaction provides a theoretical map to recognise different aspects of how and why Radical Social Movements act and react towards their environment.