A national social movement called Open Health Data is campaigning for a new law requiring pharmaceutical companies to publish full clinical trial results (including negative findings) for medicines sold in Australia. The movement includes doctors, patient advocates and data scientists. It has launched a public-facing website that summarises selected trial outcomes, runs webinars featuring medical experts, and encourages supporters to contact MPs ahead of a parliamentary committee hearing.
A coalition of opponents called Innovation First (supported by several pharmaceutical firms and industry groups) argues that mandatory publication would reveal commercially sensitive information and reduce investment in new medicines. The coalition has commissioned an economic report forecasting job losses, funds targeted advertising in marginal electorates, and meets privately with key ministers. After media attention increases, a government department announces it will introduce new guidelines on “responsible health communication” for advocacy groups that publish medical claims online.
Assume both sides are attempting to achieve their preferred outcome despite resistance from the other side.
b. Analyse how Innovation First and/or the government department could use legitimate power and coercive power to resist the social change sought by Open Health Data. Refer to the scenario in your response.
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Create Free Account Log inThis is a free VCE Units 3 & 4 Sociology practice question worth 6 marks, testing your understanding of Power in movements/opposition. It falls under Social movements and social change in Unit 4: Community, social movements and social change. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
In this unit, students explore the ways sociologists have thought about the idea of community and how various types of community are experienced. They examine the relationship between social movements and social change, including the nature, purpose, power, and outcomes of social movements.
Students investigate the sociological concept of power, the nature and purpose of social movements, types and stages of social movements, and how power is used by movements and their opposition. They evaluate the influence of social movements on social change, referencing Erica Chenoweth’s work, and analyse a specific social movement in detail.
how power is used by a social movement and its opposition
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