Crowd psychology Flashcards
what is a ‘common sense’ assumption of crowds
1) crowds become mobs
2) crowds are easily influenced
3) crowds are pathological
this is what is understood by the public and the media.
Explain the assumptions in detail
1) Crowds become mobs- When people get into crowds they seem to undergo a psychological dysfunction. Which turns crowds violent since mob leaders turn the crowd into a frenzy
2) crowds are easily influenced- Those who get influenced by crowds are normally those who are criminals and hooligans and troublemakers
3) crowds are pathological- that crowds invade civilised life by their disruptive behaviour
When was crowd psychology founded
19th century during the industrial revolution
who were the prominent writer of crowd psychology
Gustave le Bon
who created the social identity theory
Henri Tajfel
what is the social identity
Social identity is where we share things that bind us together
What do crowds achieve
they bring about new context and new social change mobilise to retain the status quo
What question does social psychology try to ask
how can we theorise the nature of human subjectivity that can explain both determination and agency?
Give examples of popular representation of crowds
Heightened emotionally
reduce intelligence
loss of self-control
madness
what are the 2 reactions to violence
proactive and reactive reaction
What is the social identity theory
The social identity theory is that individuals are interested in maintaining and enhancing their self-image
What are the 2 components of self-image
personal identity
social identity
