Soc. 100 C17 Lecture 15 CB 1a Edit 4/3/97

A CB Knowledge Quiz 1b Will be discussed in class

a. General Models of CB Convergence Contagion (Lebon) Sociological explanations (emergent norm) Collective Behavior: crowds, mobs, cults, social movements, etc. 3 Jim's version not exactly the same as the text

Collective behavior Outline 1. A definition * 2. Myths of Collective Behavior * 3. Basic model of "emergent norm" perspective * 4. Crisis Characteristics * 5. Two key dimensions of a crisis * 6. Major concepts (milling, rumor, contagion) * 7. Major Types of CB * 8. Textbook concepts & Theories 9. Concepts & distinctions Different from text 4

1. A definition Collective behavior; non normative (institutional) social behavior directed to; --solve problems that have no or inadequate institutional solutions (e.g. natural disasters) --redefining institutional definitions or even the institutions themselves (e.g. political protest) Functional Theory 5

2. Myths of Collective Behavior Anti Institutional Natural Disaster (Le Bon Crowd) 1. suggestibility 2. destructiveness 3. irrationally 4. mental disturbance 5.lower -class participation 6. spontaneity 7. creativeness 8. lack of self-control 9. anti-social behavior 1. Panic 2. Immobility 3. limited ability of organizations 4.anti-social behavior 5. lowered community morale 6. total chaos possible 6

3. Basic model of "emergent norm" perspective 7

4. Crisis Characteristics Disruption --> no standby mechanisms Disruption --> failure of standby mechanisms Communication Outcome perceived as better 8

5. Two key dimensions of a crisis Culture, values, norms --inconsistencies & contradictions Social Organization, roles (e.g. president student vs. teacher) 9

6.Some Major concepts milling--interaction attempting to define the situation rumor---verbal milling, attempt to establish cause, solution under less then ideal circumstances contagion--growing acceptance of the CB (even at most intense not all accept) 10

7. Major Types of CB Elementary Collective behavior Crowds / Riots (LA Riots) Diffuse Collectivities / cults (Hare Krishners, Branch Davidians, Peoples Temple) Publics (NOW, Right To Life, Choice) Social Movements / Revolutions (American Revolution, Women's Movement Russian social movement, Iranian revolution) Scope Time (limited) (short) (total) (long term ) 11

8. Textbook concepts & Theories a. Smelser "Value Added" (p588) b. Davis "Rising Expectations & Relative Depravation"(p596) c. Tilly's collective action theory(p598) d. Skocpol's theory of social revolution (p606) Examples of CB: “Tulipmania”, Branch Davidians, Satanic Panic, LA Riot, Mobilizing the disabled, NIMBYS, Iranian revolution Emergent norm theory sees particular response as result of social/cultural factors 12

9. Concepts & distinctions institutional behavior individual deviant behavior normative change (fads, fashions) collective behavior social change (trends--population...) rational vs. irrational behavior 13

Quiz CB (1) Single individuals or small groups indulged in non traditional behavior is deviance. What is the study of large numbers of people doing this called collective Behavior (2) A sociologist like Smelser see' s the 900 deaths at the People's Temple compound as due to social environment 2 Don’t Print