collective behavior theory

Collective behavior theory explains how groups of people act together in situations outside normal social patterns, often spontaneously. It studies how individuals’ behaviors change when they become part of a crowd, leading to behaviors like protests, riots, or mass hysteria. These actions are typically driven by shared emotions, social influences, or a desire for change, rather than established norms or rules. Essentially, the theory helps us understand how and why individuals’ actions can shift when part of a larger group, resulting in collective phenomena that differ from typical individual behavior.