The Social Movements Reader is an extensive collection of the key classic and contemporary readings on the origins, organization, dynamics, and effects of social movements. These essays analyze the specific resources, networks, structures, and environments of social movements, as well as the motivating psychology, political debates, emotions, and personal and collective identities behind them. The book includes several case studies of some of the most important social movements, including the civil rights, women's, and environmental movements.

Chapter introductions, brief biographies, and definitions of key concepts guide readers to a clear understanding of the essays. For anyone curious about social movements, this is an engaging and illuminating compilation.