Social movement means when a group of people come together in an organized way, in order to bring change in society. Social Movements are different in nature, features, pace, and operations.

The important characteristics of Social Movements are: Essentially collective in nature: Social movement is not an individual action. It involves collective action. A group collectively has to be part of the movement. A collective action that creates interest and awakening in a relatively large number of people.

Planned and deliberate action: Social movements have to be preplanned to be executed effectively. Movements are deliberate initiatives and not spontaneous or sudden in nature. 

Ideology and objectives: A social movement is backed by an ideology. The ideology guides the course of the movement. There are set objectives and goals to achieve to bring about change in the social system

Social change: Social movements are oriented towards bringing about a change. It usually demands a change in the already established order or it resists change initiated by the authorities.

Leadership: Collective action must be marked by some degree of organisation. The organisation must include leadership and a structure that defines how members relate to each other, make decisions and how to carry them. Leaders are must for guidance and person who influences others to accomplish the mission.