As a sociologist, my expertise lies in understanding social behavior and the structure of societies. In sociology, a crowd is a temporary, emergent collectivity that is larger than a primary group but smaller than a public. It is a gathering of individuals who are in proximity to one another, share some level of commonality, and are influenced by the mood and behavior of the group. Crowds can form for various reasons, such as social gatherings, protests, or disasters, and they can exhibit a range of behaviors from orderly to chaotic.

Crowds are distinguished from other social groups by their lack of formal organization and structure. They are often characterized by a sense of anonymity and a reduced sense of individual responsibility, which can lead to behaviors that would not typically be exhibited by the individuals when they are not part of a crowd. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "deindividuation."

The study of crowds is important in sociology because it helps us understand how social norms and individual behaviors can change in group settings. It also provides insights into the dynamics of social influence and the potential for collective action.

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Collective behavior refers to events that suddenly emerge. These events do not conform to rules or laws but instead are shaped based on the issue at hand. This lesson discusses the forms of collective behavior: crowds, mobs and riots. Sociology 101: Intro to Sociology / Social Science Courses.read more >>