W12 [Collective behavior] - Ahn seo hyeon(안서현)

Summary

 Introduction

Collective behavior emerges in spontaneous way when norms are absent.

Collective behavior is different with group behavior.

collective behavior	group behavior
limited, short social interaction	remain together
no clear social boundaries – anyone can be member	group membership is usually discriminating
weak and unconventional norms	strong and conventional norms

 

Crowds

In a crowd. people share a purpose and influence along.

There are 4 types in crowds.

casual	conventional	expressive	acting
loose collection no real interaction	planned meeting	emotionally charged event	crowd intent to achieve something

 

Theories of crowd behavior

Contagion theory

Following this theory, members are hypnotically influenced by crowds. So members behave irrational, emotional things behind anonymity in large crowds. This theory have problems : First, members’ behaves are not irrational, they are just  the result of rational fear or a rational sense of injustice. Second, individual’s influence to crowds should not be ignored.

 

Convergence theory

Behavior of crowds are from convergence with like-minded individuals. So behavior of crowds = crowds’ instigating + individual’s participation desire. Also crowds instigate individual to bahavior that crowds would not participate in.

 

Emergent-norm theory

Emergent-norm theory = contagion theory + convergence theory.

This theory uses symbolic interaction approach. People have specific expectations and norms, but through interaction with crowds, new expectation can emerge.

 

Crowds as gatherings

This theory study about what brings people together as a gathering from what they do once gathered. Deviant behavior can influence the actions of crowds, but don’t impair crowds themselves judgement. Crowds as gatherings approach is that there is a great deal of variation in gatherings.

 

Panic

Panic dominate people’s thinking and affects people of group. Panic occurs in disaster.

- Moral panic

Moral panic is mass movement based on the perception that some individual or group. This movement is occurred by media coverage of social issues. Moral panics are expressed as outrage. And it leads mob violence.

 

Riots

Riots are form of civil disorder by disorganized groups suddenly. Riots are chaotic, and exhibit herd-like behavior. Also riots involve vandalism and destruct private, public property.

 

Mass hysteria

Hysteria is losing self-control because of the overwhelming fear.

Hysteria can occur in psychogenic illnesses.

(By D.M. Bourneville and P. Régnard (montage by User:Damiens.rf) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)

Fads

It is known as craze. It is fashion that popular in culture and remain briefly.

Rumors

Rumors are explanation of events. They are conveyed from person to person. It can be part of collective explanation process and political communication strategies.

Interesting point & Question

I feel interested in contagion theory. I haven't think about that. I have thought crowds influence to individuals. Individuals who look like being addicted in false religion are the example. They speak loudly in subway, road "If you don't believe Jesus, you will go hell".

I think rumors are bad thing. In school, rumor can make one student ostracized. There are many reasons that rumor made. For example, one person who envy another person can make rumor about him. What do you think? 


(By Lphip003 at 영어 위키책 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)