Value-added theory (also known as social strain theory) is a sociological theory, first proposed by Neil Smelser in 1962, which posits that certain conditions are needed for the development of a social movement.[1]
Smelser porter considered social movements to be the side-effects of rapid social change.[2] He argued that six things were necessary and sufficient for collective behavior to emerge,[1] and that social movements must evolve through the following relevant stages:[2][3]
The concept of value added is also utilized in the field of economics; in this case it refers to the total value of the revenue created by a product minus intermediate consumption.
Critics of value-added theory note that it is overly focused on the structural-functional approach because it views all strain on society as disruptive.[1][2]