Question

Which of the following is an example of the reformist social movement?

• A. Right To Information
• B. Bolshevik Revolution
• C. Naxalite Movement
• D. Anti-abortion Movement

Hint:

Differentiate between movement types based on their goals: \textbf{Reformist:} Change *part* of the system (e.g., a new law). \textbf{Revolutionary:} Change the *entire* system (e.g., overthrow the government).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify a 'reformist' social movement. A reformist movement is one that seeks to bring about change within the existing social and political structure, typically by advocating for new laws or policies, without seeking to overthrow the entire system.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Right To Information (RTI): The movement for the RTI in India aimed to get the government to pass a law that would give citizens access to government information. It sought to make the existing democratic system more transparent and accountable. It worked within the constitutional framework to achieve its goals. This is a perfect example of a reformist movement.
(B) Bolshevik Revolution: This was a revolutionary movement. Its goal was the complete overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the capitalist system in Russia and its replacement with a communist state.
(C) Naxalite Movement: This is a revolutionary movement in India that seeks to overthrow the parliamentary democratic state through armed struggle and establish a different political system.
(D) Anti-abortion Movement: This movement seeks to change laws regarding abortion. While it operates within the system like a reformist movement, it is often also classified as a 'reactionary' movement because it seeks to reverse a social change (the legalization of abortion) and restore a previous social norm. Compared to the RTI movement, which is a clear-cut case of progressive reform, its classification can be more complex. However, RTI is the most unambiguous example of a reformist movement among the options.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Right To Information movement is a clear example of a reformist social movement as it aimed to improve the existing system of governance, not replace it.