Chapter 8, Collective Behavior, Social Movements and Mass Publics

The Meanings of Disorder The Nature of Collective Behavior Social Movement Theory Social Movements and Civil Society Mass Publics and Public Opinion

The Nature of Collective Behavior

Unusual or nonroutine behaviors that are engaged in by large number so people.

People reacting to situations they perceive as uncertain or threatening.

Events that involve large numbers of people in nonroutine behaviors that are organized by leaders that have specific goals.

Collective Behavior

Occurs in crowds, masses or both at once. Behavior depends on the emotions people

involved in the events feel are appropriate to express.

Most significant categories of emotions that motivate collective behavior: fear, hostility, joy.

Four Types of Social Movements

Revolutionary - aim to overthrow existing stratification systems and social institutions.

Reformist: seek partial changes in some institutions and values.

Four Types of Social Movements

Conservative - attempt to uphold existing values and institutions of society.

Reactionary - seek to return to institutions and values of the past.

Social Movement Theory

Early theories were based on the notion that hysteria or feelings of fear and hatred could spread through masses of people.

According to Marx, revolutions occurred as a result of the spread of capitalism.

Recent analyses show that revolutionary social movements occur in cycles.

Social Movements and Civil Society

Civil society is the sphere of public nongovernmental, nonbusiness social activity.

Many people tend to not lend their support to social movements, but reap the benefits anyway.

3 Components of Collective Action Frames

Injustice - sense of moral indignation against a perceived injustice and the people responsible.

Agency - not only is there injustice, but together “we” can do something about it.

Identity - defines who “we” are, usually in opposition to a “they” with different values.

Mass Publics

Populations of participants who engage in collective behavior.

Make public opinion possible. Factors such as increased leisure time,

dependence on cars, technological developments have influenced the lifestyles of mass publics, which has shaped society.