The Non-Cooperation Movement 1921 united Indians against the British atrocities in India. People belonging to all social groups joined Gandhi in his movement. The most prominent social groups were: 

(i) The Congress: Members of the Congress including Gandhi announced the Non-Cooperation Movement. They hoped that loss in trade would force the British out of India. They led protests  all over the country. 

(ii) Student and Teachers: The student body became a major force against the British during the non-cooperation movement. Teachers mobilized the people for the cause while students boycotted the British educational system, burning their books in the protests. 

(iii) Traders and Merchants: Despite facing loss in their businesses, traders and merchants boycotted British goods. They did not sell British goods in the market and only sold goods that were manufactured by Indians. There purpose was to weaken the British market in India. 

Other social groups included:

(i) Farmers

(ii) Feudal Lords

(iii) Indians working with the British

(iv) Muslim leaders

Hopes and Struggles of Social Groups in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1921)

1. Peasants
- Hopes: Peasants hoped for relief from oppressive land revenue systems and exploitation by landlords. They believed that by participating in the non-cooperation movement, they could bring about agrarian reforms and secure better living conditions.
- Struggles: Peasants faced challenges such as violence and repression from the authorities, as well as economic hardships due to the boycott of British goods. Additionally, the lack of support from some landlords and the fear of losing their land made their participation in the movement risky.

2. Urban Middle Class
- Hopes: The urban middle class aspired for self-governance and greater representation in the political system. They saw the non-cooperation movement as a means to assert their rights and weaken British control over Indian affairs.
- Struggles: The urban middle class encountered difficulties such as arrests, fines, and job loss as a result of their involvement in the movement. They also faced opposition from conservative elements within their own community who were cautious about challenging British authority.

3. Students and Intellectuals
- Hopes: Students and intellectuals aimed to promote national unity and foster a sense of pride in Indian heritage. They believed that by participating in the non-cooperation movement, they could contribute to the larger goal of achieving independence from British rule.
- Struggles: Students and intellectuals grappled with academic and career setbacks, as well as the risk of being labeled as anti-government or unpatriotic. They also faced internal divisions within their own ranks, with differing opinions on the effectiveness of non-cooperation as a strategy for achieving independence.