Exam 23: A: Collective Behaviour and Social Movements

Political-economy theory links social movements to opposition to the capitalist economy.

Significant public issues are likely to give rise to a social movement favouring change and one opposing it.

William Kornhauser's mass-society theory suggests that involvement in social movements is likely among people with strong social ties.

Some riots are fueled by hate,but some riots are caused by positive emotions.

Neil Smelser argues that an effective social movement need not have a clear statement of the problem nor a clear understanding of a solution.

Genocide-the systematic killing of many people-is an example of an "intentional disaster."

All social movements call for basic change to all of society.

Propaganda,by definition,involves statements that are false.

In recent decades,many fashions born among the poor have become popular among people who are more affluent.

Convergence theory claims that crowds can have a hypnotic effect on participants.

Unlike a mob action,a riot usually has a clear goal.

Another name for "mass hysteria" is "moral panic."

Fashion and fads,riots,crowds,mass hysteria,and public opinion are all types of collective behavior.

Some social movements continue,even after they achieve their original goal.

While gossip may spread throughout a society,rumor is localized.

Kai Erikson claims that,as serious as many disasters are,they usually are over quickly.

During the winter semester of 2012,university students in Quebec protested against the provincial government's plan to lower tuition,believing this would impact their quality of education.

People in crowds who act emotionally are not necessarily acting irrationally-there may be a good reason for the strong emotion.

Social movements are common in preindustrial societies.

Fads are sometimes called "crazes."