Collective Behavior and Social Movements

Theories of Collective Behavior

█       Collective behavior: “relatively spontaneous and unstructured
behavior of a group of people who
are reacting to a common influence
in an ambiguous situation” (Smelser)

Emergent-Norm Perspective

█       Emergent norm perspective:
during episode of collective behavior, definition of what behavior is appropriate
or not emerges from the crowd

–      Reflects shared convictions
held by members of the group

Value-Added Perspective

█       Value-added model: explains
how broad social conditions are transformed in a definite pattern
into some form of collective behavior

–      Structural conduciveness

–      Structural strain

–      Generalized belief

–      Precipitating factor

–      Mobilization for action

–      Exercise of social control

Assembling Perspective

█       Assembling perspective: examines
how and why people move from different points in space to a common location

–      Periodic assemblies: recurring,
relatively routine gatherings such as work groups, college classes, sporting events

–      Nonperiodic assemblies: includes demonstrations, parades, and gatherings
at such events as fires and arrests

Crowds

█       Crowd: temporary groupings of
people in close proximity who
share a common focus or interest

–      Not totally lacking in structure

–      Even during riots, participants governed
by identifiable social norms and
exhibit definite patterns of behavior

–      Emergent-norm perspective suggests
that new social norm is accepted

–      Taken on new meaning with Internet

Disaster Behavior

█       Disaster: sudden or disruptive event
or events that overtaxes community’s resources requiring outside aid

█       Disaster Research

–      Disaster Research Center
at University of Delaware

•          Developed planning for establishing
emergency health care, rumor control
and mental health centers, and disaster preparedness/emergency-response programs

Fads and Fashions

█       Fads: temporary patterns of behavior involving large numbers of people

█       Fashions: pleasurable mass
involvements that feature acceptance
by society and historical continuity

Panics and Crazes

█       Craze: exciting mass involvement
that lasts for relatively long period

█       Panic: fearful arousal or collective
flight based on a generalized belief
that may or may not be accurate

Panics and Crazes

█       Craze: exciting mass involvement
that lasts for relatively long period

█       Panic: fearful arousal or collective
flight based on a generalized belief
that may or may not be accurate

Rumors

█       Rumors: piece of
information gathered
informally used
to interpret an
ambiguous situation

–      Provide a group
with a shared belief

–      Means of adapting to change

–      Reinforce people’s ideologies
and suspicion of mass media

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