ABSTRACT
Opposition groups form in response to changing traditions. There are two possible situations—a tradition is being changed or a tradition is being extended. In the first case, an advocate group proposes or enacts a measure that changes the status quo—making abortion legal, for instance. The opposition group forms to protect the status quo. In the second case, the proposed change will extend the power and status (or other rewards) of those already in control. The opposition group forms to prevent, limit, or undo the status quo.
