This article presents part of the results of our research about social movements as well as reflections on their importance in current societies. Its main goal is to understand the social movements' contribution in improving the civic quality of other forms of social participation, such as: councils, forums, and NGOs. The study focuses the concepts and history of social movements. The conclusion discusses the meaning of the present social movements for the constitution of the society, especially considering the consolidation of the political solidarity and the constitution of social actors.
social movements; social participation; political solidarity; social actor; rights
