Sociology 545 Social Psychology Fall 2005

Collective Behavior Definition Definition Crowds Crowds Masses Masses Social Movements Social Movements

Collective Behavior Definition: “The elements of emergent behavior carried out in the presence of others, the nature of which is not guided by any pre-established normative order” “The elements of emergent behavior carried out in the presence of others, the nature of which is not guided by any pre-established normative order”

Collective Behavior Face-to-Face Face-to-Face Diffuse Diffuse Spontaneous Spontaneous Crowds Crowds Masses Masses(Fads/Fashions) Longer-Term Longer-TermMasses (Public Opinion) Social Movements Space Time

Collective Behavior Crowds (Acting and Passive) “a relatively large aggregate of individuals in the same physical proximity, reacting to a common stimulus (yet exhibiting none of the characteristics of a group).” “a relatively large aggregate of individuals in the same physical proximity, reacting to a common stimulus (yet exhibiting none of the characteristics of a group).”

Collective Behavior Characteristics: An opportunity to congregate An opportunity to congregate A milling process A milling process A precipitating event A precipitating event A means to mobilize A means to mobilize The exercise of social control The exercise of social control

Collective Behavior Social Psychological considerations: Social Space as Role definitions Social Space as Role definitions Circular Reaction in Participating Events Circular Reaction in Participating Events Status Characteristics in mobilization Status Characteristics in mobilization Social Exchange in the exercise of control Social Exchange in the exercise of control

Collective Behavior Masses “Large geographically diffuse social interaction which can be of both shorter or longer duration, that demonstrates identity orientation, resulting in affective behavior.” “Large geographically diffuse social interaction which can be of both shorter or longer duration, that demonstrates identity orientation, resulting in affective behavior.”

Collective Behavior Characteristics: The Rumor Process The Rumor Process –(I x A) = M –The Wells WOW example Mass media and Public Opinion Mass media and Public Opinion –Lazarsfeld’s two-step flow –Networks and Public Opinion

Collective Behavior Social Psychological considerations: Mass media in the Rumor Process Mass media in the Rumor Process Networks and the Spread of Rumor Networks and the Spread of Rumor Status Characteristics in Two Step Flows Status Characteristics in Two Step Flows Structural Equivalence in Public Opinion Structural Equivalence in Public Opinion

Collective Behavior Social Movements: “Diffuse interaction, over a longer period, engaging individuals in a form of reference group behavior that facilitates their activities and forms attitudes, so as to effect a political and social consequence.” “Diffuse interaction, over a longer period, engaging individuals in a form of reference group behavior that facilitates their activities and forms attitudes, so as to effect a political and social consequence.”

Collective Behavior Characteristics: Differing Types Differing Types –Evolutionary, Revolutionary, Utopian –Reactionary, Repressive Membership Membership –Marginalized, alienated, few ties –Lower income, minority

Collective Behavior Social Psychological considerations: Relative Deprivation and Action Relative Deprivation and Action Network properties of Marginalization Network properties of Marginalization Consensus and Social Change Consensus and Social Change