The Consequences of Professionalization and Formalization in the Pro-Choice Movement

Abstract

Resource mobilization theorists have argued that professionalized social movements emerge as more sources offending become available for activists who make careers out of being movement leaders. This paper analyzes organizational case histories from the pro-choice (abortion rights) movement to explore the consequences of leadership and formal structure in social movements. Five general propositions are drawn from the case of the pro-choice movement: (1) movement activists do not initiate movements and create new tactics; the roles of movement professional and movement entrepreneur are distinct; (2) movement leaders tend to formalize the organizations they lead; (3) formalized social movement organizations (SMOs) help maintain social movements when environmental conditions make mobilization difficult; (4) leaders and formalized SMOs stimulate the use of institutionalized tactics; and (5) professionalization and formalization facilitate coalition work.