Which statement about a social movement is generally true?

• A. The more extreme its position, the smaller its size
• B. The more liberal its position, the larger its size
• C. The more moderate its position, the smaller its size
• D. The more purposive its membership incentives, the smaller its size

Answer: (A)

When people think about joining a social movement, they weigh costs and benefits and look for goals that feel attainable and worth the effort. If a movement pushes its demands toward extreme, uncompromising positions, many potential supporters feel left out or fear the risks of participation. That discourages broad involvement, so the movement tends to attract a smaller, more dedicated core rather than a large, diverse base. In contrast, more moderate or widely acceptable messages invite a wider audience, which helps the movement grow larger. Of course there are cases where a highly radical stance motivates a devoted minority or gains visibility, but overall, extreme positions usually limit the size of a movement.