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examBoard: AQA
examType: GCSE
lessonTitle: Antisocial Behaviour in Crowds
Have you ever wondered why normally well-behaved people sometimes do shocking things when they're part of a crowd? In this session, we'll explore why crowds sometimes turn antisocial and the psychology behind this fascinating phenomenon.
Key Definitions:
Understanding crowd psychology helps us predict and prevent dangerous situations. It's useful for police, event planners and anyone who works with large groups of people. By learning what makes crowds turn antisocial, we can design better public spaces and create effective crowd management strategies.
Not all crowds are the same! Psychologists identify several types including casual crowds (like shoppers), conventional crowds (like audiences), expressive crowds (like festival-goers) and acting crowds (like protesters). The type of crowd can influence how likely antisocial behaviour is to occur.
Several key theories help explain why people behave differently in crowds than they do individually. Let's explore the main ones:
Developed by psychologists like Zimbardo, deindividuation theory suggests that being in a crowd reduces self-awareness and personal responsibility. When people feel anonymous in a crowd, they're more likely to act in ways they normally wouldn't.
In Zimbardo's famous experiment, participants who wore hoods (making them anonymous) delivered stronger electric shocks to others compared to participants whose identities were visible. This shows how anonymity can increase antisocial behaviour.
Key factors in deindividuation include:
Developed by Tajfel and Turner, this theory suggests that being in a crowd activates our social identity (the part of our self-concept derived from group membership). When our social identity becomes more important than our personal identity, we're more likely to conform to group norms even if they're antisocial.
How we see ourselves as unique individuals with our own values and beliefs.
How we see ourselves as members of groups (like football fans, students, or protesters).
In crowds, social identity often becomes more important than personal identity, changing behaviour.
One of the earliest theories of crowd behaviour, proposed by Gustave Le Bon in 1895. He suggested that emotions and behaviours spread through crowds like a contagious disease. This happens through:
While some aspects of this theory are now considered outdated, the idea that emotions can spread quickly through crowds is still supported by research.
Riots are outbreaks of violent crowd behaviour, often involving property damage, looting and confrontations with authorities. They can be triggered by various factors including perceived injustice, sporting events, or political protests that escalate.
Hooliganism refers to disorderly, aggressive, or violent behaviour associated with sporting events, particularly football. It often involves rival fan groups and can include verbal abuse, physical violence and property damage.
A widespread fear that some evil threatens society, often amplified by media coverage. This can lead crowds to take extreme actions against perceived threats, even with limited evidence.
The theft of goods during breakdowns in social order, such as riots or natural disasters. Looting often occurs when normal social constraints are weakened and people perceive an opportunity.
In August 2011, riots broke out across London and other English cities following the police shooting of Mark Duggan. What began as a peaceful protest escalated into widespread looting, arson and violence.
Psychological factors at play:
The riots resulted in five deaths, injuries to 16 police officers and approximately £200 million in property damage.
Football hooliganism has been a persistent problem in the UK and Europe. The "English Disease," as it became known in the 1980s, involved organised fan violence at matches.
Psychological explanations:
Measures like all-seater stadiums, CCTV and better policing have helped reduce hooliganism in the UK, though it remains a problem in some countries.
Substances that reduce inhibitions can increase the likelihood of antisocial behaviour in crowds by impairing judgment and increasing emotional reactivity.
Modern technology can rapidly spread information (or misinformation) and coordinate crowd actions, potentially escalating situations quickly.
How police or security forces interact with crowds can either calm or escalate situations. Heavy-handed approaches may increase tensions.
Strong identification with a group can increase willingness to engage in behaviours that support the group, including antisocial actions.
Crowds that are angry, frustrated, or excited are more likely to engage in antisocial behaviour than calm crowds.
Crowded, uncomfortable, or poorly designed spaces can increase frustration and the likelihood of antisocial behaviour.
Understanding the psychology of crowds helps us develop strategies to prevent antisocial behaviour:
When discussing theories of antisocial crowd behaviour in your exam, remember to include evaluation points:
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