Discuss Classic Theories of Crowd Behavior

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The Answer is Classic theories of crowd behavior, such as those proposed by Gustave Le Bon and Gabriel Tarde, focused on the idea that individuals in a crowd lose their individuality and become more susceptible to irrational and impulsive behavior. These theories emphasized the contagious nature of emotions and behaviors within a crowd, as well as the idea that crowds have a collective mind that is distinct from the minds of the individuals within it.

Contemporary sociological social psychologists do not find these models to be of much use in explaining when and why people participate in social movements for several reasons. Firstly, these classic theories tend to pathologize crowd behavior, portraying it as inherently irrational and dangerous. This overlooks the fact that many social movements are organized, purposeful, and driven by rational goals. Additionally, these theories often neglect the role of social and political factors in shaping collective action, focusing instead on individual psychological processes.

Over the years, theories of social movements have shifted towards a more nuanced understanding of the factors that drive collective action. Contemporary theories emphasize the role of social networks, political opportunities, and collective identity in mobilizing individuals to participate in social movements. These theories also recognize the diversity of motivations and experiences within social movements, acknowledging that individuals may participate for a variety of reasons, including ideological commitment, social ties, and personal grievances.

In summary, classic theories of crowd behavior are not considered useful for explaining contemporary social movements because they oversimplify and pathologize collective action, neglecting the role of social and political factors. Instead, contemporary theories of social movements have evolved to consider the complex interplay of individual, social, and political factors in driving collective action.

Discuss Classic Theories of Crowd Behavior

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