The following eight stages are grouped into five broad phases of hidden problem, increasing tensions, take-off, waging the movement, and success.

Hidden Problem

Stage 1: Normal Times
A critical social problem exists that violates widely held values.
The general public is unaware of this problem.
Only a few people are concerned.

Movement uses official channels, demonstrations are small and rare.

Powerholders: chief goal is to keep issue off social and political agenda.

Public is unaware of the problem and supports powerholders. Only 10-15 per cent of public support change.

Movement goals of Stage 1:

Build organizations, vision, and strategy.
Document problems and powerholders’ roles. Become informed.

Increasing Tensions

Stage 2: Efforts to Change the Problem Demonstrate the Failure of Official Remedies

A variety of small and scattered opposition groups do research, educate others.

New wave of grassroots opposition begins.

Official mechanisms are used to address the problem: hearings, the courts, the legislature; if these work, the problem is resolved. But often, the official approaches don’t work. This shows how entrenched the problem is and demonstrates the failure of institutions to solve it.

Movement uses official system to prove it violates widely held values.

Powerholders: chief goal is to keep issue off social and political agenda and maintain routine bureaucratic functioning to stifle opposition.

Public still unaware of issue and supports status quo. 15-20% of the public support change.

Movement goals of Stage 2:

Prove and document the failure of official institutions and powerholders to uphold public trust and values.
Begin legal cases to establish legal and moral basis for opposition.
Build opposition organizations, leadership and expertise.