The process through which wife beating emerged as a social problem can be traced to the emergence, maintenance, and development of claims-making and responding activities of groups (Spencer et al., 1973). Thus, recognition can be attributed to the efforts of small groups and organizations making up the social movement against wife beating. Analysis of the development of the battered women movement reveals the importance of organizational bases and interactions within and among groups making up the movement in determining the course, future, and success of the movement. 24 references. (Author abstract modified)