The Shriners are a fraternity based on the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. They have roughly 375,000 me
mbers and 191 temples in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Shriners support Shriners Hospitals for Children, a system of twenty-two hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care. What prohibits the Shriners from being a social movement?a. It’s very hard to imagine membership in the Shriners transforming anyone’s life. b. They aren’t dedicated enough to their work.
c. They do not seek to fundamentally alter the status quo.
d. They aren’t organized enough.
e. They don’t have an ideological commitment.
The correct response is Option C: They do not seek to fundamentally alter the status quo.
Explanation:
The Shriners organization is not considered a social movement because there is no real drive to change society behind the organization. Shriners International grew out Freemasonry, which is the oldest, and most widely known fraternity in the world. The Masonic lodges were begun by craftsmen who gathered after work in shelter houses or lodges. Over time, the members organized into Masonic guilds and eventually other men who were not craftsmen were allowed to join. Shriners International began in 1872 and Masons who complete their final degree so they become Master Masons are then eligible to join Shriners International. Shriners abide by the same principles as Freemasonry, but they also promote fun and philanthropy.
