Lecture on The Bystander Effect and Social Control

Introduction

• Bystander Effect: A social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present.
• Social Control: Mechanism, strategies, and institutions used by societies to maintain social order.

Key Concepts

The Bystander Effect

• Definition: First studied by John Darley and Bibb Latané in the 1960s following the Kitty Genovese murder.
• Influencing Factors:
  • Diffusion of Responsibility: Belief that others will intervene.
  • Social Influence: Observing others and modeling their behavior.
  • Audience Inhibition: Fear of judgment by others if actions are incorrect.

Social Control

• Definition: Efforts by society to regulate people's thoughts and behavior.
• Types:
  • Formal Social Control: Laws and regulations enforced by government.
  • Informal Social Control: Norms and values upheld by community and social networks.

Relationship between Bystander Effect and Social Control

• Interplay: Understanding the bystander effect helps in designing better social control mechanisms.
• Public Policy Implications: Policies can be formulated to encourage pro-social behavior in public settings.

Research and Case Studies

• Kitty Genovese Case (1964): Sparked interest in the bystander effect; 38 witnesses reportedly did not act.
• Recent Studies: Emphasize education and public awareness as tools to counteract the bystander effect.

Conclusion

• Significance: Recognizing and mitigating the bystander effect is crucial for effective social control.
• Future Directions: More research into psychological triggers and societal norms influencing bystander behavior.

Additional Notes

• Impact on Emergency Situations: Understanding the bystander effect can improve emergency response training.
• Role of Technology: Potential of apps and digital alerts in mobilizing help.