Collective Behavior

1. Collective Behavior

 Collective behavior is a type of social behavior that occurs in crowds or masses. Riots, mobs, mass hysteria, fads, fashions, rumor, and public opinion are all examples of collective behavior. It is argued that people tend to surrender their individuality and moral judgment in crowds and give in to the hypnotic powers of leaders who shape crowd behavior as they like.

 I think collective behavior takes many forms but generally violates societal norms. It can be tremendously destructive, as with riots or mob violence, silly, as with fads, or anywhere in between. Also collective behavior is always driven by group dynamics, encouraging people to engage in acts they might consider unthinkable under typical social circumstances.