Which of the two better explain the U.S. and French Revolutions?
Theories of “relative deprivation” and “social disequilibrium” are sometimes viewed as “demand side” revolutions. Theories of political opportunities and revolutionary mobilization, on the other hand, are sometimes referred to as “supply side” revolutions. In other words, “supply side” revolutions are top-down affairs (revolutionary leaders mobilize the masses for action) while “demand side” are bottom-up affairs (aggrieved revolutionary masses spontaneously mobilize themselves). Which of the two better explain the U.S. and French Revolutions?
