Pertemuan 4 Teori Perilaku Kolektif Neil Smelser

Summary

This video discusses collective behavior theory, particularly focusing on Neil Smelser's contributions. It explores Smelser's intellectual background, heavily influenced by Talcott Parsons' structural-functionalism. The video outlines key concepts in Smelser's collective behavior theory, such as structural strain, breakdown, generalized belief, and value-added model. These concepts help explain how collective behaviors like riots, panic, or social movements arise due to societal tensions, belief systems, and mobilization. The video concludes with assumptions that collective behavior is influenced by structural conditions rather than purely psychological factors.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses collective behavior theory, particularly focusing on Neil Smelser’s contributions.
• 👤 Neil Smelser was an American sociologist born in Missouri in 1930, known for developing theories on collective behavior.
• 🎓 Smelser was influenced by Talcott Parsons and adopted a structural functionalism perspective, differing from Herbert Blumer's symbolic interactionism.
• 🏛️ Structural functionalism views society as a living system with interconnected parts that work together to meet societal needs.
• 💡 Smelser’s key concept of 'structural strain' refers to societal tensions that occur when subsystems (like politics, economy) fail to meet societal expectations.
• 📉 Structural breakdowns result in social uncertainty and frustration, potentially leading to collective behavior.
• 🧠 'Generalized belief' emerges when people search for answers in uncertain times, making them susceptible to ideologies that offer solutions.
• ⚙️ Smelser outlines six conditions necessary for collective behavior, including structural conduciveness, structural strain, and the spread of generalized belief.
• 🔥 Events like the 1998 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic exemplify how rapid changes cause structural strain and collective behavior.
• 🚨 Smelser's 'value-added model' suggests that multiple conditions must be present for collective behavior to occur, not just one isolated factor.

Q & A

Who is Neil Smelser and why is he important in the study of social movements?

Neil Smelser was an American sociologist born on July 22, 1930, in Missouri and passed away on October 2, 2017, in California. He is important because he developed the collective behavior theory, a key framework for understanding social movements and conflict.

What academic influences shaped Smelser's theories?

Smelser was heavily influenced by Talcott Parsons and the structural functionalism perspective. This contrasts with Herbert Blumer’s symbolic interactionism, as Smelser viewed collective behavior through the lens of structural factors and social systems.

What is structural functionalism, and how does it relate to Smelser's work?

Structural functionalism views society as a living system with interconnected subsystems (e.g., politics, economy, culture) that function together to meet societal needs. Smelser applied this framework to collective behavior, analyzing how structural strains in subsystems lead to social movements.

What is 'structural strain' according to Smelser?

Structural strain refers to the tension that arises when societal structures or subsystems (e.g., economy, politics) fail to meet the needs and expectations of people, often during rapid changes. This strain can lead to collective behavior, such as protests or riots.

Can you give an example of structural strain in real life?

An example of structural strain is the 1998 economic and political crisis in Indonesia. The rapid changes during the crisis caused structural strain, leading to widespread social unrest.

What is 'generalized belief' in Smelser’s theory?

Generalized belief refers to a collective understanding or belief that emerges in response to a structural breakdown. In uncertain situations, people seek answers, often adopting ideologies or political beliefs that promise security or solutions.

How do different forms of collective behavior emerge according to Smelser?

According to Smelser, collective behavior arises when people form generalized beliefs about their situation. The type of belief formed determines the form of collective behavior, such as panic, mass movements, or riots.

What are the six conditions in Smelser's 'value-added theory' for collective behavior?

The six conditions in Smelser's value-added theory are: 1) Structural conduciveness, 2) Structural strain, 3) Generalized belief, 4) Precipitating factors, 5) Mobilization for action, and 6) Operation of social control.

How does the 'operation of social control' affect collective behavior?

The operation of social control refers to the actions taken by authorities (e.g., police, government) to manage or suppress collective behavior. These actions can include physical force or media influence to restore order and stop the spread of social unrest.

What example from recent history illustrates Smelser's theory of collective behavior?

The protests following George Floyd's death in the United States are an example of Smelser’s theory. The structural conduciveness (democracy), structural strain (racial injustice), generalized belief (perceived systemic racism), and precipitating event (Floyd's death) led to mass mobilization and collective protests.