Collective Behaviour Theories

What is Collective Behaviour? Social behaviour by a large group that does not reflect existing rules, institutions, and structures of society Groups engage in this kind of behaviour to accomplish a specific goal or outcome Collective behaviour is spontaneous, usually in response to a social crisis or natural disaster Panic is an example of collective behaviour  Irrational reaction of people to a dangerous situation

Convergence Theory Assumes that when a large group of like-minded individuals comes together, collective action is the most common outcome Individuals behave according to their own beliefs but do so with the protection of others behaving in the same manner Explains why riots and racial violence occur  May be part of the same social class, ethnicity, gender, or age group  Find it easy to act out because their frustrations are the same  When the collective gains momentum and popularity, the origins become unclear or distorted  Ex: Nazi Germany

Rational Decision Theory Assumes that people make rational decisions whether or not to participate in collective behaviour The motivating factor for the individual is almost always based on self-interest Individuals have a specific number or percentage of other people who must already be engaged in the group before they will join  Individual’s “threshold” Individuals tend to favour larger and more organized groups When these conditions are met, the individual is more likely to participate in collective behaviour  There is also the sense of not being held responsible because everyone else is taking part in the activity  The lack of consequence can also be a strong motivator for people to follow a group mentality

Prosocial Behaviour Not all collective behaviour is negative It can also be used to explain acts of kindness, generosity, and altruism Prosocial behaviour is a form of altruism in which individuals demonstrate empathy toward and care for the welfare of others without regard for their own personal gain

Mobs Sometimes collective behaviour can be threatening The law enforcement perspective is that any group has the potential to become a dangerous and angry group A mob is a large disorderly crowd that can lead to a riot