Characteristics of collective behaviour
1. Spontaneity: Collective behavior often occurs suddenly and without prior planning. It is a rapid and impulsive response to a situation or event.
2. Temporary nature: Collective behavior is usually short-lived and does not last for an extended period of time. It is typically a temporary reaction to a specific event or circumstance.
3. Lack of formal organization: Collective behavior is often characterized by a lack of formal structure or organization. It is not guided by formal rules or hierarchical systems, but rather emerges from the interactions and behaviors of individuals involved.
4. Group dynamics: Collective behavior is influenced by group dynamics, with individuals in the group being influenced by the actions and behaviors of others. This can result in a contagious and escalating behavior, such as mob mentality or rioting.
5. Non-institutionalized: Collective behavior often occurs outside of the established institutional or societal norms. It can challenge existing social, cultural, or political structures and may be seen as deviant or unconventional by mainstream society.
6. Emotional intensity: Collective behavior is often characterized by high levels of emotional intensity. Individuals may experience a heightened sense of excitement, fear, anger, or passion, which can further fuel the collective behavior.
7. Lack of individual responsibility: In collective behavior, individuals may experience a diffusion of responsibility, feeling less accountable for their own actions as they blend into the crowd. This can lead to more extreme behaviors or actions that they would not engage in as individuals.
8. Conformity: Collective behavior often involves a high level of conformity, with individuals aligning their actions and behaviors with the majority of the group. This can lead to a loss of individual autonomy and critical thinking.
9. Unpredictability: Collective behavior is often unpredictable and can be difficult to control or manage. It is influenced by various factors, including the social, cultural, and situational context, making it difficult to anticipate or prevent.
10. Wide range of forms: Collective behavior can take many forms, including crowds, mobs, panics, fads, rumors, protests, and social movements. It can vary greatly in scale and intensity, from small-group interactions to large-scale societal changes.
Collective behavior refers to the spontaneous and unstructured behavior of a group of individuals in response to a particular situation or event. It is characterized by certain key features, including:
1. Voluntary participation: Collective behavior involves individuals voluntarily choosing to participate in a group or a collective action. This means that people come together willingly rather than being forced or coerced to do so.
2. Spontaneous emergence: Collective behavior tends to emerge spontaneously without pre-planning or formal organization. It is often a result of a sudden change, crisis, or event that triggers a shared response among individuals.
3. Lack of formal structure: Unlike formal organizations or institutions, collective behavior typically occurs without a clear hierarchical structure or established rules. It is a temporary phenomenon that does not conform to the traditional norms and expectations of society.
4. Rapid diffusion of behavior: Collective behavior tends to spread quickly among individuals within a group or even across different groups or communities. This rapid diffusion is often facilitated by social media, word-of-mouth communication, and other forms of mass communication.
5. Non-traditional behavior: Collective behavior often involves actions or behaviors that deviate from normal social behavior patterns. This can include protests, riots, panics, fads, fashions, rumors, or other forms of unconventional actions.
6. Emotional arousal: Emotional factors, such as fear, excitement, or anger, play a significant role in collective behavior. These emotions intensify as individuals interact with one another, leading to a heightened sense of group cohesion and direction.
7. Temporary duration: Collective behavior is typically short-lived and transitory. It may start abruptly and disappear just as quickly, often returning society to its previous state once the triggering event or situation has passed.
8. Limited rationality: Individuals involved in collective behavior may display limited rationality in decision-making, as emotions and group dynamics can override individual judgement. This can lead to impulsive and sometimes unpredictable actions.
It is important to note that collective behavior is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can take various forms depending on the cultural, social, and historical context in which it occurs.