The Behavior Of Crowds

The Behavior of Crowds: A Psychological Study is a book written by Everett Dean Martin. The aim of the book is to explain the psychological processes that underlie the behavior of crowds. Martin contends that a loss of uniqueness and a blending of identities into a single entity are characteristics of crowds. A strong emotional contagion is produced by this blending and it has the potential to cause illogical conduct. Crowds according to Martin are also open to suggestion especially from charismatic leaders or other persons who are able to tap into the crowd''s emotions and control them. Martin names a number of elements—such as anonymity suggestibility mimicry and emotional contagion—that might affect how people behave in large groups. Along with the possibility for crowds to act violently or destructively he also emphasizes the importance of leaders in crowd behavior. In general Martin''s work offers insightful information on the psychology of crowds and the variables that might affect their behavior. The work remains relevant today and has been referenced by numerous academics and researchers in the area of psychology and social psychology.