21.1 Collective Behavior - Introduction to Sociology 3e

Learning Objectives

• Describe different forms of collective behavior
• Differentiate between types of crowds
• Discuss emergent norm, value-added, and assembling perspective analyses of collective behavior

Sociology in the Real World: Flash Mobs and Challenges

• Flash Mobs: Spontaneous gatherings for events (e.g., Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra's performance during Ukraine tensions).
• Purpose: Can act as political protests or purely for fun.
• Effect: Interrupt mundane routines and enhance social connections.

Forms of Collective Behavior

• Definition: Noninstitutionalized activity involving voluntary group engagement.
• Types:
  • Crowd: Large number of people in close proximity.
    • Types of Crowds:
      • Casual: People in the same place but not interacting (e.g., standing in line).
      • Conventional: Gatherings for regular events (e.g., religious services).
      • Expressive: Gatherings to express emotion (e.g., funerals, weddings).
      • Acting: Gatherings with a specific goal or action (e.g., protests, riots).
  • Mass: Large number with a common interest but not in proximity (e.g., online game players).
  • Public: Unorganized group sharing ideas (e.g., political parties).

Theoretical Perspectives on Collective Behavior

• Emergent-Norm Perspective:

  • Developed by Ralph Turner and Lewis Killian.
  • Emphasizes the development of new norms in crowds.
  • Example: Hurricane Katrina looting viewed as survival behavior.

• Value-Added Theory:

  • Proposed by Neil Smelser.
  • Conditions needed for collective behavior:
    • Structural conduciveness: Awareness and opportunity to gather.
    • Structural strain: Unmet expectations causing tension.
    • Growth and spread of a generalized belief.
    • Precipitating factors: Dramatic events initiating behavior.
    • Mobilization for action: Emergence of leaders.
    • Social control: Actions to end the behavior.
  • Example: Ferguson protests following Michael Brown's shooting.

• Assembling Perspective:

  • Developed by Clark McPhail.
  • Focuses on rationality and lifecycle of gatherings.
  • Types of collective behavior:
    • Convergence clusters (e.g., carpooling).
    • Convergent orientation (e.g., facing the same direction).
    • Collective vocalization (e.g., screams on a roller coaster).
    • Collective verbalization (e.g., singing an anthem).
    • Collective gesticulation (e.g., YMCA dance).
    • Collective manipulation (e.g., protest signs).
    • Collective locomotion (e.g., running to an ice cream truck).

These notes cover the main ideas presented in the section on collective behavior from the OpenStax sociology textbook, elaborating on the forms, types, and theoretical perspectives on such behavior.