The social movements field, while a hot area of study in recent years, has divided into separatist camps. A "structuralist" approach, or one that focuses on political processess, is favored by some analysts, while a "culturalist" approach, or studies that focus on questions of culture, meaning, and identity, is the preferred analytical lens for others. The aims to bridge the gap between "political opportunities" theorists who look at the circumstances and effects of social movement efforts and "identity theorists" who focus on the reconstruction of meaning and identity through collective action.

The social movements field, while a hot area of study in recent years, has divided into separatist camps. A "structuralist" approach, or one that focuses on political processess, is favored by some analysts, while a "culturalist" approach, or studies that focus on questions of culture, meaning, and identity, is the preferred analytical lens for others. The aims to bridge the gap between "political opportunities" theorists who look at the circumstances and effects of social movement efforts and "identity theorists" who focus on the reconstruction of meaning and identity through collective action.