Original scientific paper

MASS MADNESS: RECENT APPROACHES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS

Vjeran Katunarić ; Faculty of Philosophy, Zagreb

Abstract

ln the paper the subject-matter and implications of three recent
theoretical approaches to "mass madness" are described and
discussed: mass psychology (including ethnopsychoanalysis),
the model of collective action from the standpoint of methodological
individualism and the clinical approach (Blon's work with
small groups in pathological and working conditions). Recent
approaches mostly delegitimize the classical negative stereotype
of the crowd, indicating the complexity and diversity of motives
and forms of action of people gathered in masses, whose violent
and destructive forms have become exceptional. Although
accepting the new arguments, the author warn s that these exceptions
are very important and almost ominous - especially in
contemporary societies affected by genocidal ideas and conflicts.
Thus, the author first considers "collective psychoses" as a homologous
analytical concept with regard to the participation of
mentally disturbed persons in collective actions of a destructive
nature. Secondly, he examines the function of instrumental rationality
in the development of delusions in a group or society (the
role of technocracy in authoritarian and repressive regimes). And
thirdly, he indicates the irrational character of large and sudden
social changes with regard to the inability of realizing expectations
and hopes of social majorities in the shorter or longer run.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

32886

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/32886

Publication date:

1.11.1994.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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