III. "It usually involves the participation of a large number of people united for a common goal" is a characteristic of a social movement (an effort outside of the government to change some aspect of a society or culture through collective action). Basically, it requires some conditions: Can't be the government; Want to change/keep something; Requires a large number of people. A collective behavior that is purposeful and institutionalized, but it is not ritualized. Example: To promote/resist social change. There are three types of social movement: Reform, Revolutionary and Expressive.