Lecture Notes: Collective Behavior in Sociology

Overview

• Collective behavior: Large numbers of individuals behaving in ways that violate societal norms.
• Different from group behavior:
  • Time-limited and involves short social interactions.
  • No social boundaries; open to all.
  • Norms are weak and murky.

Key Differences Between Collective and Group Behavior

• Time Duration:
  • Collective behavior: Time-limited.
  • Group behavior: Long-term socialization.
• Social Boundaries:
  • Collective behavior: No restrictions on participation.
  • Group behavior: Can be exclusive with membership requirements.
• Norms:
  • Collective behavior: Weak and undefined norms.
  • Group behavior: Strong and well-defined norms.

Influence of Group Dynamics

• Driven by group dynamics (e.g., deindividuation).
• Encourages acts perceived as deviant or wrong under normal circumstances.
• Similar dynamics affect collective behavior.

Types of Collective Behavior

• Fads:
  • Quick rise and fall in popularity.
  • Influences large numbers briefly.
  • Example: Cinnamon challenge.
• Mass Hysteria:
  • Rapid spread of anxiety, fear, and delusions.
  • Driven by rumors and negative news.
  • Mild Example: Panic due to severe weather forecasts.
  • Severe Example: Epidemic hysteria (e.g., false anthrax alarms after anthrax attacks).
• Riots:
  • Sudden engagement in deviant behavior (e.g., vandalism, violence).
  • Chaotic, costly, and destructive.
  • Causes: Anger over events, poor conditions, conflict (e.g., racial or religious).

Summary

• Collective behavior often violates societal norms and can be destructive.
• Different forms include fads, mass hysteria, and riots.
• Sociological perspective helps in understanding these behaviors better.