Deck 23: B: Collective Behaviour and Social Movements

Question 1

Provide a one-sentence statement of the convergence theory of crowd formation.

Answer 1

The convergence theory of crowd formation posits that crowds form when individuals with similar attributes, ideas, or intentions gather in the same place, leading to a collective behavior that reflects the convergence of their pre-existing tendencies.

Question 2

What is structural strain theory?

Answer 2

Structural strain theory, also known as strain theory, is a sociological framework that was developed by Robert K. Merton in the 1930s to explain why certain individuals within a society may engage in deviant or criminal behavior. The theory posits that society has culturally defined goals, such as wealth, status, and success, and socially approved means to achieve these goals, such as education and hard work.

According to Merton, structural strain arises when there is a disjunction between the cultural goals and the institutionalized means available to individuals to reach those goals. This discrepancy creates pressure on individuals to use illegitimate or deviant means to achieve success, especially when they perceive a lack of opportunity to succeed through conventional avenues.

Merton identified five modes of individual adaptation to this strain:

1. Conformity: Individuals accept both the goals and the prescribed means for achieving them. This is the most common response and is considered non-deviant.

2. Innovation: Individuals accept the goals of society but use illegitimate or innovative means to achieve them, which can lead to deviant behavior or criminal activity.

3. Ritualism: Individuals give up on societal goals but still adhere to the socially approved means. They go through the motions without any real hope of achieving success.

4. Retreatism: Individuals reject both the cultural goals and the means to achieve them, often retreating from society (e.g., by abusing drugs or alcohol).

5. Rebellion: Individuals reject the existing goals and means, and instead advocate for new ones, potentially leading to revolutionary behavior.

Structural strain theory highlights the role of social structures in influencing deviant behavior and suggests that reforms to ensure equal access to opportunities and more equitable distribution of resources could reduce the pressure to engage in such behavior. It has been influential in the field of criminology and has helped to shape policies and programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime and deviance.

Question 3

What does an "acting crowd" become when it turns violent?

Answer 3

An "acting crowd" that turns violent can be described as a "mob." When a crowd becomes unruly and engages in aggressive, chaotic, and often destructive behavior, it transitions from a group of individuals with a common purpose to a more volatile and unpredictable entity. This transformation can be driven by heightened emotions, a sense of anonymity within the group, or a perceived justification for the violence. Once a crowd becomes a mob, the situation can escalate quickly, leading to property damage, physical harm, and a breakdown of social order. Law enforcement and public safety officials often have specific strategies to manage and disperse mobs to restore peace and prevent further violence.

Question 4

What is "claims making"? Why is this process important to the success of a social movement?

Question 5

What are three reasons that collective behavior is difficult to study?

Question 6

What is the difference between "rumor" and "gossip"?

Question 7

What is a "panic"? What is a "moral panic" (also called "mass hysteria")?

Question 8

What is political-economy theory as an explanation of social movements?

Question 9

What are four categories of crowds? Give an example of each.

Question 10

Define "fashion" and "fad" so that their differences are clear.

Question 11

What are three key differences between "collectivities" and "social groups?"

Question 12

How does deprivation theory differ from mass-society theory as an explanation of social movements?

Question 13

What is public opinion? Do all people's opinions have the same importance? Why or why not?

Question 14

How do "new social movements" differ from older social movements?

Question 15

What is mass society theory?

Question 16

Provide a one-sentence statement of the contagion theory of crowd behavior.

Question 17

What is a "disaster"? What are three types of disasters? Give an example of each.

Question 18

Name and define four types of social movements.

Question 19

Provide a one-sentence statement of the emergent-norm theory of crowd behavior.

Question 20

What is propaganda? Provide an example of propaganda.

Question 21

What are the four stages in the life course of a social movement?