The Spectrum of Collective Action Theory:From Social Movement Theory to Theory of Contentious Politics

This paper describes the research findings of the academic world on collective action in the past several decades,and evaluates relative theories.The development of collective action theory goes through three stages —— social movement,revolution and contentious politics — and a large body of theory has been formed concerning all three stages.As far as ideas,methodology and analytical framework are concerned,these theories develop progressively,with the latter ones correcting the defects of the former ones.Evolution from social movement theory to theory of contentious politics signifies the theoretical achievement and course of development of collective action,and reflects the latest interest of the international academic community.