Introduction
Violence and aggression have been a part of the human condition since the beginning of recorded history. In the roughly 5600 years of recorded history there have been more than 14,600 wars (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). Research varies widely on what causes aggression and violence. Many contend that it is a remnant of our evolutionary history, that is, it developed early on as a survival mechanism and later was used to obtain safety, material goods and status (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). A definitive definition of aggression is difficult to come by but most psychologists state that, for the most part, aggression is the intent or attempt to harm someone physically or socially or to destroy an object (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). …show more content…
These are contagion theory, convergence theory and emergent-norm theory.
Contagion theory
Suggests that individuals are likely to influence the behaviours of others with whom they have frequent and redundant contact (Contagion of Violence) and that crowds exert a hypnotic influence on members that results in irrational and emotionally charged behaviour (Contagion of Violence). This theory closely resembles LeBon’s contentions that once in a crowd people lose their individuality and are influenced by group thought and behaviour.
Convergence theory
On the other hand argues that the behaviour of a crowd is not a random grouping of personalities but rather a result of like-minded individuals coming together (Mob Psychology). Like minded individuals assembling into crowds would account for the mental homogeneity of mobs thus preceding the gathering of crowd members (Mob Psychology).
Emergent-norm …show more content…
• References:
Coakley, J. and Burnett, C. (2014). Sports in society. Pretoria: Van Schaik.
Madensen, T. and Eck, J. (2008). Spectator violence in stadiums. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2011). Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach (Ninth ed.)
LeBon, G. (1896). The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind
Crowd behaviour http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/hodderdpsyc/crowd_behaviour/0?searchId Contagion of violence http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/cupvba/social_contagion_of_violence/0?/
Emergent Norm Theory http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/bksoc/emergent_norm_theory/0?searchId Mob Psychology
Violence and aggression have been a part of the human condition since the beginning of recorded history. In the roughly 5600 years of recorded history there have been more than 14,600 wars (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). Research varies widely on what causes aggression and violence. Many contend that it is a remnant of our evolutionary history, that is, it developed early on as a survival mechanism and later was used to obtain safety, material goods and status (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). A definitive definition of aggression is difficult to come by but most psychologists state that, for the most part, aggression is the intent or attempt to harm someone physically or socially or to destroy an object (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). …show more content…
These are contagion theory, convergence theory and emergent-norm theory.
Contagion theory
Suggests that individuals are likely to influence the behaviours of others with whom they have frequent and redundant contact (Contagion of Violence) and that crowds exert a hypnotic influence on members that results in irrational and emotionally charged behaviour (Contagion of Violence). This theory closely resembles LeBon’s contentions that once in a crowd people lose their individuality and are influenced by group thought and behaviour.
Convergence theory
On the other hand argues that the behaviour of a crowd is not a random grouping of personalities but rather a result of like-minded individuals coming together (Mob Psychology). Like minded individuals assembling into crowds would account for the mental homogeneity of mobs thus preceding the gathering of crowd members (Mob Psychology).
Emergent-norm …show more content…
• References:
Coakley, J. and Burnett, C. (2014). Sports in society. Pretoria: Van Schaik.
Madensen, T. and Eck, J. (2008). Spectator violence in stadiums. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2011). Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach (Ninth ed.)
LeBon, G. (1896). The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind
Crowd behaviour http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/hodderdpsyc/crowd_behaviour/0?searchId Contagion of violence http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/cupvba/social_contagion_of_violence/0?/
Emergent Norm Theory http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/bksoc/emergent_norm_theory/0?searchId Mob Psychology