Collective behavior appears in everyday life, from a spontaneous musical performance to people gathering at a concert or sharing an interest online. This lesson introduces the concept and distinguishes its three primary forms: crowds, masses, and publics.
Collective behavior is noninstitutionalized activity in which several or many people voluntarily participate. It is not mandated or regulated by an institution. Examples include commuters traveling home, teens adopting a popular singer’s hairstyle, and musicians performing together in a flash mob.
All flashcards
What is collective behavior?
Voluntary, noninstitutionalized activity in which several or many people participate. It is not mandated or regulated by an institution.
How does a flash mob illustrate collective behavior?
People voluntarily gather for a shared event, often performing in a way that appears spontaneous. Flash mobs may be rehearsed, recorded, or organized to celebrate someone or something.
What are the four types of crowds?
Casual crowds share a place without much interaction; conventional crowds gather for regular scheduled events; expressive crowds express emotion; and acting crowds focus on a goal or action.
What is a mass?
A relatively large number of people who share an interest but may not be physically close to one another, such as people who play the same online game.
How is a public different from a mass?
A public is an unorganized, relatively dispersed group whose members share ideas. A mass consists of people who share an interest.
Quiz questions
People gathered to carry out a protest or another specific action form what type of crowd?Answer: An acting crowd.
In Smelser's value-added theory, what does structural conduciveness refer to?Answer: People know about a problem and have an opportunity to gather.
In Smelser's value-added model, which condition is modeled as bringing an episode of collective behavior to an end?Answer: Social control.
How does McPhail's assembling perspective generally view people in crowds?Answer: As rational actors whose actions help form gatherings.
People screaming together on a roller coaster demonstrate which assembling-perspective component?Answer: Collective vocalization.
Based on Introduction to Sociology 3e by Tonja R. Conerly, Kathleen Holmes, Asha Lal Tamang (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.