Chapter 16: Social Change: Collective Behavior, Social Movements,
and Technology
Introduction: Sociology studies human behavior in groups. Examining
collective behavior allows us to use the "sociological imagination" to see how
macro-level forces shape individual behavior, often influenced by
technology.
I. Learning Objectives
1. Compare, illustrate, and evaluate the major types of collective
behavior, their theories, and functions.
2. Compare, illustrate, and evaluate the major types of social
movements, their theories, and functions.
3. Describe and illustrate recent technological advances, their benefits,
costs, and ethical controversies.
II. Key Terms
Term Definition
Social Transformations of societies and social institutions over
Change time.
Collective Spontaneous and unstructured behavior of a large number
Behavior of people (an act rather than a state of mind).
Rumor Unsubstantiated information spread informally, often
lacking verifiable sources.
Gossip The spread of rumors about the personal lives of others.
Urban Stories, sometimes believed to be true, that are widely
Legends circulated, typically having a moral or cautionary element.
, Panic A form of collective behavior in which people react to a
real or perceived threat with irrational and fearful
behavior.
Mass The rapid spread of anxiety and unsubstantiated beliefs
Hysteria among a wide population.
Fashion A temporary yet widely accepted change in appearance or
behavior.
Fad A short-lived, trivial, and often highly enthusiastic
collective movement.
Disaster An unexpected event that causes widespread damage,
destruction, and distress.
Public A collection of people who share a common interest or
concern about a particular issue.
Public Widespread attitudes on a particular issue.
Opinion
Propaganda The presentation of information designed to influence
public opinion, often by distorting the truth or selectively
presenting facts.
Crowd A temporary gathering of people who share a common
interest or focus.
Mob A highly emotional and disorderly crowd that is ready to
use violence against a specific target.
and Technology
Introduction: Sociology studies human behavior in groups. Examining
collective behavior allows us to use the "sociological imagination" to see how
macro-level forces shape individual behavior, often influenced by
technology.
I. Learning Objectives
1. Compare, illustrate, and evaluate the major types of collective
behavior, their theories, and functions.
2. Compare, illustrate, and evaluate the major types of social
movements, their theories, and functions.
3. Describe and illustrate recent technological advances, their benefits,
costs, and ethical controversies.
II. Key Terms
Term Definition
Social Transformations of societies and social institutions over
Change time.
Collective Spontaneous and unstructured behavior of a large number
Behavior of people (an act rather than a state of mind).
Rumor Unsubstantiated information spread informally, often
lacking verifiable sources.
Gossip The spread of rumors about the personal lives of others.
Urban Stories, sometimes believed to be true, that are widely
Legends circulated, typically having a moral or cautionary element.
, Panic A form of collective behavior in which people react to a
real or perceived threat with irrational and fearful
behavior.
Mass The rapid spread of anxiety and unsubstantiated beliefs
Hysteria among a wide population.
Fashion A temporary yet widely accepted change in appearance or
behavior.
Fad A short-lived, trivial, and often highly enthusiastic
collective movement.
Disaster An unexpected event that causes widespread damage,
destruction, and distress.
Public A collection of people who share a common interest or
concern about a particular issue.
Public Widespread attitudes on a particular issue.
Opinion
Propaganda The presentation of information designed to influence
public opinion, often by distorting the truth or selectively
presenting facts.
Crowd A temporary gathering of people who share a common
interest or focus.
Mob A highly emotional and disorderly crowd that is ready to
use violence against a specific target.
