How does emergent norm theory help to explain the 2021 insurrection at the u.s. capitol?
Question: How does emergent norm theory help to explain the 2021 insurrection at the u.s. capitol?
Emergent norm theory is a sociological perspective that examines how individuals behave in collective situations, such as crowds, riots, or social movements. According to this theory, people are influenced by the norms and expectations of the group, which may emerge spontaneously or be shaped by leaders or other factors. In this blog post, I will discuss how emergent norm theory can help to explain the 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, which was a violent attempt by supporters of former President Donald Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
One of the key concepts of emergent norm theory is that people act differently in crowds than they do in normal situations. They may feel anonymous, emotional, or pressured by others to conform or participate. They may also rationalize their actions by attributing them to a higher cause or a collective identity. For example, some of the insurrectionists may have felt that they were defending democracy, patriotism, or their political leader, rather than breaking the law or endangering lives.
Another important concept of emergent norm theory is that crowds are not homogeneous or irrational. They are composed of different types of participants, such as leaders, followers, bystanders, or opponents. They may also have different motives, goals, or levels of commitment. For instance, some of the insurrectionists may have been more radicalized or organized than others, while some may have been more spontaneous or opportunistic. Some may have had specific plans or targets, while some may have acted impulsively or randomly.
A third relevant concept of emergent norm theory is that crowds interact with their environment and respond to external stimuli. They may be influenced by the physical setting, the media coverage, the police response, or the reactions of other groups. For example, some of the insurrectionists may have been encouraged by the speeches of Trump and his allies, the lack of security measures at the Capitol, the live streaming of their actions on social media, or the support or opposition of other protesters or counter-protesters.
In conclusion, emergent norm theory can help to explain the 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by highlighting the social and psychological factors that shape collective behavior. It can also help to understand the diversity and complexity of the crowd and its interactions with its context. However, emergent norm theory is not a complete explanation for the event. It does not account for the historical, political, or ideological causes and consequences of the insurrection. It also does not justify or excuse the violence or illegality of the actions of the insurrectionists.
0 Komentar
Post a Comment