Question

Clearly explain three theories of collective behavior. Provide one clear example of each of the three theories

Answer 1

Contagion Theory – This theory states that when individuals are on their own, they behave rationally but when they join as a group, their behaviours become very irrational and emotional which was also the assumptions of the high class people who lived a sophisticated life without much trouble. Here, the crowd affects the thoughts and behaviours of the individuals. Riots are caused when people gather for some reason and fight the authorities. Gangsters will also come under this category.

Convergence Theory – This theory looks at the crowd as a positive manner by stating that unlike the contagion theory which states that the crowd affects the individuals, individuals affect the crowd. Political and charismatic leaders fall under this theory where they influence large number of people from all walks to join their ideologies thus achieving their desired goals.

Emergent Norm Theory – This theory bases its assumptions somewhere in between the contagion and convergence theories by stating that when individuals join a crowd or group, they are not sure how they should behave but after certain time, they learn the norms and behaviours of the group from others and on their own. When someone joins a social group such as a church or an association, one is not very sure what and how of those groups but they learn it later.