Collective behavior and its theories

Collective behavior and its theories brief explanation

1. Collective Behavior and theories of collective behavior Presented by : Chetan Sharma Department of Social work Kurukshetra university Kurukshetra

2. Collective Behavior : The term collective behavior refers to the group behavior that is apparently not guided by the usual norms of conduct. Definition by N.J. Smeler : Collective behavior may be defined as “ the relatively unorganized patterns of social interaction in human groups.”

3. Characteristics of Collective Behavior : Temporary in nature and entirely an unplanned one. Not regulated by any set of rules or procedure. Since this behavior is not bound by any defined norms , it becomes unpredictable. Anonymity encourages to behave in an irresponsible manner. It is an unusual event. Rumors and misinformation runs. Triggered not only by rumors but also guided by beliefs , hopes, fears etc.

4. Forms of Collective Behavior : Crowd :- “ A relatively large number of people in close proximity to each other (localized collectivities)” Reacts at once to common focus or concern. Do not define how to behave or share clear expectations on what will happen. Often feel something must be done right way to address their common concern. Attitudes and ideas about the common concern spread very quickly among crowd members.

5. Mob :- When an acting crowd starts to engage in destructive and sometimes violent behavior. A mob is a crowd that is easily persuaded to take aggressive or violent action in order to gain attention or solve their problem. Eg , mob lynching etc. 3) Riots : A form of civil disorder commonly characterized by a group lashing out in a violent public disturbances against authority ,property or people. Eg ., riots related to social injustice.

6. Theories of Collective behavior -: Contagion theory :- In short, contagion theory argues that collective behavior is irrational and results from the contagious influence of the crowds in which individuals find themselves. Contagion theory assumes that people in a crowd act emotionally and irrationally because they come under the influence of the crowd’s impulses. If a people interested in country music goes to a rock concert along with friends and the friends are enjoying very much , the person will start to enjoy too due to group feeling and mass contagion. The person forgets his/her own likes and dislikes to follow the group behavior.

7. 2) Convergence theory :- In studying the economies of developing countries to see if they go through the same stages as previously developed nations did, sociologists have observed a pattern they call convergence . This describes the theory that societies move toward similarity over time as their economies develop. Some examples of convergence theory include Russia and Vietnam, formerly purely communist countries that have eased away from strict communist doctrines as the economies in other countries, such as the United states have burgeoned.

8. 3) Emergent norm theory :- This theory hypothesizes that non-traditional behavior ( such as that associated with collective action ) develops in crowds as a result of the emergence of new behavioral norms in response to a precipitating crisis. The norms that develop within crowds are not strict rules for behavior. Emergent norm theory explains that collective behavior has a long history of turning violent , such as in the cases of mobs and riots . However, collective behavior also applies to fads that can cause some good. The ice bucket challenge is an example of collective behavior that raised money towards medical research.

9. Thanks