Final answer:
Revolutions are often sparked by a significant gap between societal expectations and reality, with movements usually beginning among the educated middle class rather than the poorest groups. This pattern was observed in the Arab Spring, OWS, and historically in the French Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some factors that can spark a revolution include a significant gap between societal expectations and reality. According to James C. Davies in his paper "Toward a Theory of Revolution," the mood of the people is crucial, and revolutions are more likely when there is a downward trend in actual need satisfaction compared to what a prosperous society expects. This creates what is known as the Davies-J curve. Examples of this phenomenon include the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street (OWS), which were not movements started by the absolute poorest, but by educated, typically younger, middle-class individuals frustrated by unmet expectations and corrupt governments. Similarly, the French Revolution was driven by a complex web of causes including poor harvests, near-bankruptcy, and a rigid social hierarchy that left many demanding reform.