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How does collective behaviour differ from the other social patterns of interest to sociologists? What are the difficulties in studying collective behaviour? What do you see as the special benefits of doing so?

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Collective behaviour differs from other social patterns of interest to sociologists in that it involves the spontaneous and unstructured actions of a large group of people, often in response to a specific event or situation. This can include riots, protests, panics, and other forms of mass behavior that are not easily predicted or controlled. In contrast, other social patterns of interest to sociologists, such as social norms, institutions, and group dynamics, are more structured and predictable. Studying collective behaviour can be difficult for several reasons. Firstly, it is often chaotic and unpredictable, making it challenging to gather data and analyze patterns. Additionally, the actions of individuals within a crowd can be influenced by a variety of factors, including emotions, peer pressure, and external stimuli, making it difficult to determine the underlying causes of collective behaviour. Furthermore, the ethical considerations of studying potentially dangerous or harmful mass behavior can present challenges for researchers. Despite these difficulties, studying collective behaviour can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of large groups and the ways in which social norms and institutions can break down under certain circumstances. By understanding the underlying causes and patterns of collective behaviour, sociologists can gain a better understanding of how societies function and how they can be influenced by external events and pressures. Additionally, studying collective behaviour can provide important information for policymakers and emergency responders in managing and mitigating the effects of mass behavior. Overall, the study of collective behaviour offers unique opportunities for sociologists to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human social interaction.

What have sociologists learned about disasters? What are the three types of disasters? Provide an example of each.Explain why the social damage caused by a disaster may end up being more serious than property damage.

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Sociologists have learned that disasters...

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Sociologists have developed a number of theoretical explanations of social movements.Identify the six theoretical approaches noted in the text and provide an account of each.What do we learn from each? What criticism can be made of each? On the basis of this material,do you think we have developed an adequate understanding of social movements? Why or why not?

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The six theoretical approaches to social movements noted in the text are: 1. Resource Mobilization Theory: This approach emphasizes the importance of resources such as money, people, and organizational skills in the success of social movements. It teaches us that social movements require resources to be effective, and that the ability to mobilize these resources is crucial. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the role of ideology and emotions in driving social movements. 2. Political Process Theory: This approach focuses on the political opportunities and constraints that shape social movements. It teaches us that the political context in which a social movement operates is crucial to its success or failure. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the role of social and cultural factors in driving social movements. 3. New Social Movement Theory: This approach emphasizes the cultural and identity-based aspects of social movements, such as feminism, environmentalism, and LGBTQ rights. It teaches us that social movements are often driven by a desire for cultural and social change, as well as political change. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the economic and material factors that also drive social movements. 4. Framing Theory: This approach focuses on the ways in which social movements frame their grievances and goals in order to mobilize support. It teaches us that the way a social movement presents its message is crucial to its success. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the structural and institutional factors that shape social movements. 5. Collective Behavior Theory: This approach emphasizes the spontaneous and unstructured nature of social movements, viewing them as a form of collective behavior. It teaches us that social movements can emerge without formal organization or leadership. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the strategic and intentional aspects of social movements. 6. Structural Strain Theory: This approach focuses on the structural conditions that lead to social movements, such as inequality and injustice. It teaches us that social movements are often a response to social and economic grievances. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the agency and intentionality of social movement actors. Based on this material, it is clear that sociologists have developed a range of theoretical approaches to understanding social movements. However, each approach has its limitations and criticisms. While these theories provide valuable insights into the dynamics of social movements, none of them alone provides a comprehensive understanding. Therefore, it can be argued that we have not yet developed an adequate understanding of social movements, as a more holistic and integrated approach is needed to fully grasp the complexities of social movement dynamics.

Based on the discussion found in the final box in the chapter,why do you think so many people in Canada are reluctant to become involved in social movements? What cultural characteristics of this society might explain this reluctance? In light of this pattern,how do you explain the fact that,over our history,many people have become involved in social movements,often with significant results?

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There are several reasons why many peopl...

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Identify at least three social movements mentioned in the chapter.Using one or more theories of social movements,provide an explanation for the emergence of each.Can you identify stages in each social movement? If so,what are they?

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In the chapter, three social movements m...

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Describe contagion theory,convergence theory,and emergent-norm theory.What are the points of similarity and difference between these three theories? Discuss the strengths of each theory,as well as the points that may be criticized.

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Contagion theory, convergence theory, and emergent-norm theory are all sociological theories that seek to explain how and why individuals in a group or society may adopt certain behaviors or beliefs. Contagion theory, also known as the "collective behavior theory," suggests that individuals in a group can be influenced by the emotions and actions of others, leading to the rapid spread of behaviors or beliefs. This theory emphasizes the role of emotional contagion and suggests that individuals in a group can be swept up in a collective frenzy, leading to irrational or impulsive behavior. Convergence theory, on the other hand, posits that individuals in a group may be influenced by a desire to fit in or conform to the norms and expectations of the group. This theory suggests that individuals may adjust their behavior or beliefs in order to align with the majority, leading to a convergence of attitudes and actions within the group. Emergent-norm theory, also known as the "emergent-normative theory," suggests that in certain situations, new norms and expectations may emerge within a group as a response to a specific event or circumstance. This theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and the negotiation of norms within a group, suggesting that individuals may adapt their behavior based on the evolving norms of the group. There are several points of similarity and difference between these three theories. One point of similarity is that they all emphasize the influence of social dynamics on individual behavior. They also all recognize the importance of group influence in shaping individual attitudes and actions. However, they differ in their emphasis on the specific mechanisms through which this influence occurs. Contagion theory focuses on emotional contagion, convergence theory emphasizes conformity, and emergent-norm theory highlights the negotiation of norms within a group. Each theory has its strengths and weaknesses. Contagion theory provides a compelling explanation for the rapid spread of behaviors or beliefs within a group, particularly in situations of mass hysteria or panic. However, it has been criticized for oversimplifying the complexity of human behavior and for neglecting the role of individual agency. Convergence theory offers insight into the power of social norms and the pressure to conform within a group, but it may overlook the role of individual differences and the potential for resistance to group influence. Emergent-norm theory highlights the dynamic nature of group behavior and the negotiation of norms, but it may struggle to explain the rapid and widespread adoption of behaviors or beliefs within a group. In conclusion, contagion theory, convergence theory, and emergent-norm theory each offer valuable insights into the ways in which individuals in a group may be influenced by social dynamics. While they share some common ground, they also differ in their emphasis on specific mechanisms of influence. Each theory has its strengths and weaknesses, and a comprehensive understanding of group behavior may require consideration of multiple perspectives.

Explain how technology can and has become an important resource for social movements.Use specific examples to strengthen your argument.

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Technology has become an important resou...

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What is a crowd? How is it different from a social group? Describe the main characteristics of the five major forms of crowds: casual,conventional,expressive,acting,and protest crowds.Provide an example of each.

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A crowd is a large group of people gathe...

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