Find, Describe, Explain Collective Behavior.

The question you’ve been given is asking you to do the following:

1. Find a current example of collective behavior from the last three years: You need to identify an event or situation that involves a group of people acting collectively in a way that is different from their usual behavior. This could include protests, riots, social movements, flash mobs, or any other event where individuals come together and behave in a coordinated or spontaneous manner. To find such an example, you can search online news sources, academic journals, or even social media for recent events that fit this criterion.
2. Give a brief description of your example: Once you’ve identified your example, provide a concise overview of what happened. Explain the context, who was involved, what actions were taken, and any significant outcomes. Be sure to provide enough details so that someone who is not familiar with the event can understand it.
3. Tell what collective behavior theory you think best explains this example of collective behavior and why: This is the most critical part of your response. You’ll need to apply a sociological theory of collective behavior to analyze and explain why the event you chose occurred the way it did. Some common theories you might consider include:

   a. Emergent-Norm Theory: This theory suggests that in collective behavior situations, norms and behaviors emerge spontaneously as people interact. It explains how people in a group may not have a predefined set of norms but develop them as they go along.

   b. Resource Mobilization Theory: This theory focuses on the role of resources (e.g., money, leadership, media) in facilitating or hindering collective action. It explains how organized groups can better mobilize resources to achieve their goals.

   c. Contagion Theory: This theory emphasizes the emotional and irrational aspects of collective behavior, suggesting that people in a crowd can become highly influenced by each other’s emotions, leading to impulsive actions.

   d. Value-Added Theory: This theory suggests that collective behavior occurs when structural strain or tension exists in society, and some event or condition “adds value” to the situation, making collective action more likely.

Choose the theory that you believe best explains the collective behavior in your chosen example and provide a clear rationale for your choice. Explain how the theory’s concepts and principles apply to the event and help in understanding why it unfolded the way it did.

Remember to provide sources and citations for your example and any theory you reference. Additionally, ensure that your response is clear, concise, and well-structured to effectively communicate your understanding of the topic.