Nature of new social movements : 

The new social movements, instead of pushing for specific changes in public policy, emphasizes social changes in identity, life style and culture. Thus, the social aspect is seen by these movements as more important than the economic or political aspects. The issues which were ignored by other social movements, are included in these new social movements. These movements are against injustice.

The aim of these movements is not the welfare of just any specific section rather for collective welfare. In India, these movements commenced in the decade of 1960.

Types of new social movements : 

i. Environment Conservation Movement : 

In India environment movement commenced in 1973 along with Chipko Movement. Regarding environment, many international summits have been organised all over the world. In India, women and poor people all participate in environment movement. Save Narmada Movement is also an environmental movement. Appiko Movement was launched in Karnataka to stop deforestation.

ii. Human Rights Movement : 

Human beings have some rights since their birth. But it is very unfortunate that today human rights are being ignored openly all over the world. Human violence is increasing at national and international levels. Human Rights Protection Act was passed in 1993.

iii. Women Empowerment Movement : 

After independence, large number of organizations raised women issues. In India, being patriarchal society, women’s condition has always been inferior. All India Democratic Women Association founded in 1978 advocated equal salary for women and men. In the decade of 1980, feminist movements emerged at all India level. At present many organizations are fighting successfully for women empowerment. Rashtra Sevika Samiti’s contribution is remarkable.

iv. Peasant Movement : 

This type of movements started after 1991. The objective of such movements is to protect and promote the rights of peasants. Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Bharatiya Kisan Union, Shetkari Sangthana etc are organisations whose purpose is to protect the rights of peasants.

v. Labour Movement : 

These movements are being run to protect benefits of labourers/workers in service. Organizations like Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch etc are making efforts in this direction.

vi. Movements against Development Hazards : 

Although development is an essential and continuous process yet it has given birth to some hazardous outcomes also, such as displacement of people due to construction of dams on the rivers or due to other projects, environment degradation, and river water disputes etc. Hence, different movements have been launched to draw the attention of government towards these problems.