Compare and Contrast Theories Collective Behavior Emergent Norm Theory Added Perspective Assembling Perspective

¶ … Collective Behavior: Comparisons

Theories of Collective Behavior: Emergent-Norm Theory vs. Value-Added Perspective

Collective behavior, in basic terms, could be defined as a voluntary activity in which individuals engage. The behavior in this case is largely non-institutionalized. There are various theories that have been used over time to explain collective behavior. These include the emergent-norm theory, value-added perspective, and assembling perspective. In this text, I concern myself with two of these, i.e. The emergent-norm theory and the value-added perspective.

The emergent-norm theory according to Stolley (2005, p. 186) posits that "new norms develop (emerge) as events happen." The value added perspective, on the other hand, suggests that "people are likely to engage in social movements and other forms of collective behavior when society has certain characteristics" (Crawford and Novak, 2013, p. 455).

It should also be noted that while the emergent-norm theory largely focuses on the relevance of social norms in the behavior of crowds, the value-added perspective mainly concerns itself with the conditions necessary for the occurrence of collective behavior. The latter therefore mainly assumes a functionalist perspective. Essentially, unlike the value-added perspective, the emergent-norm theory does not outline conditions necessary for the occurrence of collective behavior. Instead, it merely claims that individuals will form groups and come up with new guidelines whenever they find themselves in unfamiliar territory. With regard to the value-added perspective, the conditions necessary for collective behavior to take place are identified as "structural conduciveness, structural strain, growth and spread of a generalized belief, precipitating factors, mobilization for action, and the operation of social control" (Crawford and Novak, 2013, p. 455).

It is also important to note that unlike the emergent-norm theory, the value-added perspective seems to view collective behavior as being rather disruptive and/or negative. This is however not the case as collective behavior could in some instances be positive and perhaps beneficial. A good example of non-disruptive collective behavior could in this case be when members of a community come together to help one of their own overcome a certain problem or challenge -- a hypothetical example which could further be broken down using the conditions I have already highlighted above.

Although the two theories highlighted above differ on a number of fronts, they still retain some similarities. To begin with, in their most basic forms, both the emergent-norm theory and the value-added perspective attempt to decipher the complex nature of collective behavior. Essentially, both theories/perspectives as Locher (2001, p. 69) points out, "allow us to examine unusual group behavior while still assuming rational thought amongst participants." Both theories also attempt to give their own explanations as to why norms develop.