Crowd and Collective Behaviour

“Crowd behaviour” refers to how individuals behave when they are in large groups. It may change from their typical behaviour due to the influence of the group.
Different theories explain crowd and collective behaviour. Deindividuation theory suggests that being in a crowd can lead to a loss of individual identity and a decrease in self-awareness, resulting in uninhibited and sometimes antisocial behaviour.
Social identity theory, on the other hand, proposes that individuals in a crowd act in ways that conform to the group’s identity and norms, enhancing their sense of belonging and self-esteem.
Emergent-norm theory posits that new norms emerge within the crowd itself, guiding the behaviour of individuals.
Collective behaviour refers to the actions of people in groups that are not guided by established societal rules or norms, such as flash mobs or spontaneous protests.
Bystander behaviour and diffusion of responsibility are also key aspects of crowd behaviour, explaining why individuals in a group might fail to intervene in an emergency situation.
Studies on obedience, including the infamous Milgram experiment, reveal how people may comply with authority figures even when asked to act against their moral judgements. This has implications for understanding behaviour within institutional settings or larger social systems.
Conformity is another aspect of social influence, leading to adjustment of individuals’ behaviours or beliefs based on perceived group norms.
In understanding collective behaviour, it is also crucial to examine the effects of culture and socialisation, which shape our perceptions, attitudes, and actions within a group context.
Research methods such as observations, surveys, and experiments are used to examine crowd and collective behaviour. They help to gather empirical data to support or challenge prevailing theoretical perspectives.