SOCIAL STRUCTURE, SOCIAL PROCESSES, THEORIES OF COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR

1. Emergent Norm Theory

AND SOCIALIZATION People facing unusual or chaotic situations generate
their own interpretations to define or understand the situation
I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot;
and through the interactions of people results in a common
together we can do great things. – Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
redefined situation leading to the emergence of new norms for
people to behave collectively.
SOCIALIZATION Conceived by American sociologists Ralph H. Turner and
Socialization is the process and outcome of integration Lewis M. Killian
to society through association, social interaction, and social
activities. 2. Contagion Theory
Feelings of restlessness, directionless, and heightened
It has two (2) dimensions: emotions and excitement spreads through the circular
a. The individual acting on society interaction of individuals thereby reproducing similar
b. Society acting on the Individual suggestive behavior.
1. Personality and Role Development Conceived by French social psychologist Gustave Le
2. Skills Development and Training Bon (1841-1931)
3. Values Formation
4. Social Integration and Adjustment 3. Convergence Theory
5. Social control and Stability Like-minded individuals banded together tend to have
shared predispositions for certain forms of behavior.
AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION
It refers to the various social groups or social institutions 4. Social Strain Theory
that play a significant role in introducing and integrating the A combination of factors generates the right conditions or
individual as an accepted and functioning member of society. situations conducive to the development of collective behavior.
1. School
Serves as a social organization, mentoring and training Professor of Sociology Dr. Neil Smelser at the University
students for future occupations, guiding their social welfare, and of California, Berkeley enumerated these six factors as:
preparing them for
independence and confronting social realities. 1. Structural Conduciveness
2. Peer Group A favorable condition or situation suitable for the
Its social function is providing camaraderie. development of certain possible types of behavior.
3. Church 2. Structural Strain
Its social function is religious formation and spiritual Frustrations over changing the reality of the current crisis
development. The individual is indoctrinated to its beliefs, religious or situation.
norms, morals, and values. 3. Generalized Belief
4. Family Uncertainties of the situation develop shared beliefs of
Its social function is nurturing the child until reaching possibilities causing restlessness and agitation.
independence. 4. Precipitating Factors
5. Work Place Dramatic or tragic events that cause the spark to ignite
Its social function allows for career growth and social intense emotions and irrational behavior.
mobility. 5. Mobilization
6. Mass Media Provocation leading to a course of action persuading
Its social function is informing, entertaining, and individuals to join in an act of unison.
educating the masses. 6. Social Control Failure
Social norms such as morals and laws have lost control
COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR or guide over the behavior of people.
It refers to the emergent, unstructured, and transitory
behavior of agroup of people. FORMS OF COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR

To wit, the behavior is characterized as: 1. MASS BEHAVIOR/MASS ACTION

1. Emergent Behavior displayed by the masses characterized by
Arises at any given moment when the right simultaneous and
circumstances or situations trigger the behavior. widespread similar behavioral ways that is individually carried out
2. Unstructured without coordination.
Not guided by prevailing social norms.
3. Transitory The ff. is manifested forms of mass behavior:
The prevalence of the behavior depends on the volatility,
ambiguity, or intensity of the existing situation. A. Fashion
Valued styles of aesthetics as in the case of clothing,
COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR accessories,
Collective behavior falls under the study of social adornments, art, decorative designs, etc. that reflect the taste and
psychology and can be useful insight to other disciplines that lifestyle of the masses.
need to understand the other dimension of group dynamics.
We can only predict and plan for eventualities if we B. Fad - “uso”
understand how certain conditions develop and affect things. These are trends in popular culture or behavior that
people imitate to fit in the same behavior of others.
 C.Craze - “Kinababaliwan” C.Panic Crowd
These are novelties that have not been previously Agitated and irrational reaction as aggravated by
introduced such that it quickly generates heightened interest, heightened fear,
excitement, and curiosity for people to be craving to have anxiety, nervousness, or tension in the face of a threatening
situation as in the case of dangers, emergencies, disasters, or
D.Mass Hysteria crisis.
Widespread anxiety caused by unfounded belief, of
perceived threatening situations that are actually misunderstood or D. Acting Crowd
non-existent. Hostility or aggression directed towards a target or
source.
E. Public Opinion
The views, sentiments, and judgment that people form  Riot
out of collective participation in the discussion and deliberation of Individuals spread over several areas expressing
an issue that concerns or affects them. collective grievance by displaying random destructive behavior.
 Mob
F.Propaganda Individuals concentrated in the area where anger is
Any technique directed towards influencing or directed towards a target or source of frustration.
manipulating the mind setting of a group of people that lead them
to engage in collective behavior. 3.
SOCIAL MOVEMENT
A form of collective behavior involving work efforts aimed
Common propaganda techniques: at advocacy change.

i. Rumor American anthropologist David F. Aberle identified 4 types of social

Circulation of unverified, uncertain, and unsubstantiated movements:
information. I. Revolutionary Movement
ii. Mind Conditioning Working towards the total overhaul of the prevailing systems in
Consistent repetition of a message to instill recall in the society and the institution of an entirely new system.
minds of people making them believe in the alleged truth content of
the message. II. Reform Movement
iii. Bandwagon Working towards transforming specific areas of current negative
Invitation by persuading or swaying others to join the rest situations or conditions of society into positive results.
of the people in their convictions and behavior.
iv. Name Calling III. Redemptive Movement
Malicious claims and accusations aimed at damaging the Working towards the renewal of the individual's whole-self as in
reputation or image of somebody as to cause public prejudice. the case of certain religious groups.

v. Card Stacking IV. Alternative Movement

This involves distortion, deception, and distraction as to Working towards changing some aspects of selected
cause public confusion. individuals.
vi. Glittering Generality
Emphasizing on pleasing ideas that appeal to the SOCIAL DEVIANCE - “DEVIATE” - to differ or diverge
feelings of people as to cause public motivation as in the case of - Any behavior that differs or diverges from established
using slogans or catchphrases. social norms
vii. Transfer - Relative to culture and depends on how society views
Association or attribution of things to cultural icons that certain kinds of behavior.
command respect, authority, or admiration as to cause public
support.
viii. Testimonial DEVIANT BEHAVIOR
An endorsement made by a famous and trusted Are the instances of variations, disregard for, non-
person attesting to facts as to cause public approval. conformity or flaunting of the social norms and established
ix. Plain Folks standards of the group.
Appearing to be like the rest of the group in order to
win public acceptance. POINTS OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR:
 Unusual political or religious beliefs
2. CROWD BEHAVIOR  Relative
Behavior displayed by a crowd characterized by  It can be tolerated, approved, or disapproved
restlessness, directionless, heightened emotions and  It can be viewed as pathological phenomenon
excitement in given vicinity.  It is considered a serious social problem
The ff. is manifested forms of crowd behavior:
THEORIES ON DEVIANCE
A. Reactive Crowd
1) Socio-Biological Theory
Passiveness reacting only through solicited responses or
2) Psychological Theory
stimulus.
3) Differential Association Theory
B. Expressive Crowd
4) Anomie Theory
Emotional releases through active engagement in
5) Social Strain Theory
social activities as in the case of merry making, cheering,
6) Labeling Theory
performing dance.
7) Conflict Theory
 8) Substance Abuse
9) Neutralization Theory
10) Social Control Theory

STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONALISM
“Deviance is necessary part of a successful society”
“When deviance is punished, it gives the idea that norms are
indeed present
in the society” - EMILE DURKHEIM

1) CONFORMISTS
Persons who accept socially approved goals and the
legitimate means of achieving it not necessarily because they
think that it is proper and desirable, but because others think that
nothing can be done to disagree with it.

2) INNOVATORS
Persons who accept socially approved goals but have
their own ways and means of achieving the same goal instead of
following the same legitimate ways as in the case of cheating and
stealing as a way of getting money.

3) RITUALISTS
Persons who discard or abandon socially approved goals
but accept the legitimate ways and means of doing things as in
the case of religious fanatics who place emphasis on carrying
SOCIO-BIOLOGICAL THEORY out religious duties rather than pursuing a goal.
Deviant or abnormal behavior is brought about by
abnormalities or defects in the genes of a person as in the case of 4) REBELS
the mentally ill. Persons who reject both socially approved goals and
the legitimate ways and means of achieving it with the intention of
replacing these with their own.
PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORY
The uncontrollable inner urges or impulses, or 5) RETREATISTS
suppressed emotions of a person and the lack of other approved Persons who reject both socially approved goals and the
means to defer gratification is released or manifested outwards legitimate ways and means of achieving it, but have no intentions
through deviant behavior. of replacing these with their own, and instead live by their own
ideals and set up new norms as in the case of hippies, addicts, etc.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION THEORY
American sociologist Edwin H. Sutherland (1883-1950) LABELLING THEORY
introduced this theory in criminology whereby individuals learn American sociologist Edwin M. Lemert (1912-1996) and
deviant behavior by associating and interacting with people who Howard Becker contributed to the development of this theory
influence or pressure them into doing wrong. explaining that individuals who are branded or tagged with
negative behavior are psychologically engrained to hold on a
ANOMIE THEORY reputation of being deviant even if not so.
It views deviant behaviors as a result of being in a state Labelling leads to social stigma or social disgrace
of “normlessness" which French sociologist Emile Durkheim whereby stigmatized individuals try to hide it, change it or learn live
(1858-1917) calls by the term anomie or a condition whereby with it.
people are confused on the conflicting, overlapping, and changing
of different social norms and values brought about by rapid social CONFLICT THEORY
change or different views held by social groups. Behavior and activities that conflict or threatens those in
control of society are deemed deviant. Thus those who are in
SOCIAL STRAIN THEORY power determine acceptable behavior and improve their will to the
It views deviant behavior as a result of frustration. powerless.
American sociologist Robert K. Merton (1910-2003) argued that
socially mandated goals are uniform throughout society while SUBSTANCE USE
legitimate means to achieve those goals cannot be achieved by Deviant behavior is caused by the influenced of
some disadvantaged people who have inadequate means substance intake to the body which impairs mental cognition and
induces a person to act or behave irrationally. Overdose of
Such that these individuals resort to modes of social adaptation in dangerous substance usually leads to addiction or
the following manner: overdependence and at worse eventual death.

Classifications of Commonly Abused Substances According to

their Effects:
 i. Hallucinogens - substance that cause alteration to Stronger beliefs in established social norms and values
perception, thought or mood. Ex. marijuana, shabu, toxic leads to conformity as in the case of religious persons.
inhalants such as adhesive rugby.
ii. Stimulants - substances that increase or stimulate the SOCIAL CONTROL
normal activity of the central nervous system. Ex. Society's ways of promoting order, stability, and
amphetamine, nicotine, cocaine and ectasy. conformity in social life.
iii. Depressants - substances that depress or slow down
body functions. SANCTION SYSTEM
Ex. alcohol, sleep induces, pain relivers, etc.
Is a system of rewards and punishments designed to
iv. Anti-Depressants - substances that all alleviate mood
encourage desired behavior.
as in the case of serious depression and anxiety
disorders. Ex. opium, morphine, codeine
The following are some examples Philippine laws that form part of
the penal system to discourage and prohibit undesirable acts and
NEUTRALIZATION THEORY behavior considered as deviant:
American criminologist Greshan M. Sykes (1922-2010)
and American sociologist David Matza developed this theory 1. R.A. NO. 9344: JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT OF
explaining that deviant behavior results from a state of denial or 2006
the justified belief of one’s action which suspends the applicability  The law covers minors who are in conflict with the law with
of prevailing social norms. the automatic exemption of criminal liability for those aged 15
years and below but not for civil liability.
5 TECHNIQUES OF NEUTRALIZATION
1. Denial of Responsibility 2. R.A. NO. 9262: ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND
the deviant believes that it is not his fault because he THEIR CHILDREN ACT OF 2004
does not have a choice in the first place and was only forced under  The law penalizes acts of physical, sexual, and psychological
circumstances beyond his control. violence, abuse, and threats committed on women and
children.
2. Denial of Injury
the deviant believes that what he does is alright as long 3. R.A. NO. 8353: THE ANTI-RAPE LAW OF 1997
as no harm is done making the act a no big deal or nothing serious  The law penalizes the expanded definition of rape which now
which could just let pass. applies to both male and female and any sexual act not
limited to intercourse that violates the free will.
3. Denial of Victim
the deviant believes that the individual on the receiving 4. R.A. 9208: ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT OF 2003
end is at fault and is not the real victim of the situation and  The law penalizes the recruitment, transportation, transfer or
therefore deserve. harboring, or receipt of persons with or without the victim's
consent or knowledge for exploitation purposes.
4. Condemnation of the Condemnors
the deviant points out that many others are doing what 5. R.A. NO. 9165: COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS
he does including those who condemn so one should not to be ACT OF 2002
singled-out.  The law penalizes dealings of prohibited drugs in the country.

5. Appeal to Higher Loyalties 6. P.D. NO. 1612: ANTI-FENCING LAW OF 1979

the deviant point out what he does is for the sake of  The law penalizes any dealings involving item of value which
others and for a greater good cause outweighing the negative he knows, or should be known to him, to have been derived
consequences. from the proceeds of the crime of robbery or theft.

SOCIAL CONTROL THEORY 7. R.A. 3019: ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT
American criminologist Travis Hirschi introduced the thoery  The law penalizes the involvement of public officers in
explaining deviant behaivor as a ressult of the absence or practices that constitute legal definition of graft and
weakness of social bonds. corruption.

4 DIMENSIONS OF SOCIAL BONDING 8. R.A. 9372: HUMAN SECURITY ACT OF 2007

a) Attachment  The laws penalize legally-specified acts of terrorism that sow
Stronger attachment leads to conformity out of fear of and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear
losing their loved ones and their place in society. and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the
b) Involvement government to give in to an unlawful demand.
Participation in social activities increases the probability
for conformity as in the case of the Sangguniang Kabataan
organizing basketball tournament to involve the youth in sports DEATH PENALTY
instead of being involved in mischief.  The death penalty is the oldest penalty in human
c) Commitment civilizations dating since the ancient times.
Great commitment to social goals leads to conformity as
in the case.  The death penalty is not new in the Philippines; it has been
imposed, abolished, and reimposed a number of times in the
past even before the most recent passage of the Republic
d) Beliefs Act No. 7659 which re-imposed the death penalty law in 1993
and was repealed in 2006 by Republic Act No. 9346.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in a document
article entitled "The Death Penalty: Questions and Answers,"
stated that:

 The death penalty has no deterrent effect.

 Claims that each execution deters a certain number of
murders have been thoroughly discredited by social science
research.
 People commit murders largely in the heat of passion, under
the influence of alcohol or drugs, or because they are
mentally ill, giving little or no thought to the possible
consequences of their acts.

Associate Professor of Sociology. Dr. Marian J. Borg of the

University of Florida, and Dr. Michael L. Radelet, Professor and
Chair of the Department of Sociology at the same university in the
August 2000 Annual Review of Sociology essay titled "The
Changing Nature of Death Penalty Debates" wrote:

 Over the last two decades more and more scholars and
citizens have realized that the deterrent effect of a
punishment is not a consistent direct effect of its severity-
after a while, increases in the severity of a punishment no
longer add to its deterrent benefits.

 In fact, increases in a punishment's severity have decreasing
incremental deterrent effects, so that eventually any
increases in severity will no longer matter.