Intellectual as an activist and the role of intellectuals in social movements

Intellectual exists as one of actors featuring in a social movement. Engagement of intellectual into social movements as an actor of it appears as per 19th century. At all ages of the period from after 19th century, engagement of intellectual into social movements has become more and more important and it has reached to a considerable level.As a concept, intellectual has its meaning in 19th century. While referring to the same concepts before that time, the concepts elite and intellectual differed in their meanings. However the concepts intellectual and elite from which intellectual has its birth should be taken into account and considered together by means of social movements. This need has outstanded especially due to the active engagement of elites and intellectuals in politics in the social movements existing in Western societies during and after 1990?s.The quality of relationship of intellectuals and elites with social movements can be explained with the concept `political opportunity?. Intellectuals and elites are considered as political opportunities for the outbreak of any social movement or acceleration and refreshment of an already existing one. In this context, they enhance the movement, provide active participation to it, increase its media coverage and keep it up-to-date. Therefore they are the opportunities to realize the goals and gain success of the movement. This thesis discuss the relationship of elites and intellectuals with social movements by means of the nature of political opportunities.Keywords: Intellectual, Elite, Political Opportunities.