Ochlocracy, or mob rule, is a form of government where control is acquired through manipulation of large crowds. Crowd psychology plays a major role, with classical and convergence theories explaining how group mentality manifests. Protests and peer pressure are modern examples, with smaller subgroups forming to achieve their goals. Mafia domination is still present today.
Ochlocracy, also known as mob rule, is the term used to describe a form of government. It operates on concepts similar to majoritarianism. According to this idea, control is acquired by masses of people as a type of manipulation of large crowds.
Crowd psychology is the main concept that comes into play with ochlocracy. This is a form of social psychology that depends on a large group coming together and acting together. History is littered with instances where the Mafia government dictated decisions made by the government or its agents in power. Examples include the public hangings of suspected Salem witches and the lynching of one type of person by an opposing group.
Group behavior and peer pressure often influence the effectiveness of ochlocracy. Social scientists have identified classical and convergence as the two main theories to explain crowd rule and crowd psychology. Each theory is driven by the common factor of group mentality, but they differ on how that mentality manifests itself.
Classical theories of ochlocracy suggest that people’s individual minds form a united way of thinking, but that crowds form people rather than people forming crowds. Each member of the group is fed by the others, and they feed on the emotions of the others, increasing their own. The result is a crowd that acts completely as one with growing enthusiasm, and each individual loses touch with their original thoughts and intentions.
Convergence theories of ochlocracy operate under the idea that crowds are made up of individuals, each with their own desired goals. Individuals with common goals form groups. They may unite for a common reason, but each maintains its original intentions without being influenced by others. In a large group of mobs, smaller groups can be seen performing different actions than the mob as a whole. These smaller subgroups came together to achieve their goals.
Protests and demonstrations are modern examples of ochlocracy. In these cases, groups of people come together to show support or show objection. When the emotional levels of these crowds get out of hand, crowd mentality becomes evident, particularly when riots and riots occur.
Peer pressure can also be classified as a form of ochlocracy. In the same way as protests and rallies, groups of people of the same age group, social class or religion can come together for a specific purpose. Mafia domination in some form can be seen just as much today as it was centuries ago.
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