Rioting is a form of direct action. Direct actions is defined as political action which happens outside normal political channels. Direct action is often therefore associated with New Social Movements who have little influence over normal political processes. Direct action can be peaceful and lawful for instance demonstrations, sit ins, and boycotts. However it is frequently illegal and can take the form of rioting, vandalism and terrorism. The most serious form of direct actions is the urban riot.
In this lesson you will investigate sociological explanations of urban riots and then assess the validity of these ideas against some research you will do on actual events.

Lesson Instructions
1. Complete the interactive diagram below and print.
2. Use the external link buttons on the left button bar to research actual riots. Which sociological explanation in your view is most convincing at explaining why real riots happen?