The multivalence of crowds

Heaney, M. T. (2023) The multivalence of crowds. Social Research: An International Quarterly, 90(2), pp. 217-244. (doi: 10.1353/sor.2023.a901703)

Abstract

Crowds have diverse meanings and serve varied functions for their participants and observers. To make sense of this diversity, the ontology of crowds can be understood through two dimensions: (1) global/collective processes versus local/individual processes; and (2) symbolic benefits/costs versus concrete benefits/costs. Combining these dimensions yields four ideal types: crowds as symbols, crowds as identities, crowds as networks, and crowds as power. This essay explores how people relate to crowds from these perspectives and the political implications of their doing so.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Heaney, Dr Michael
• Authors: Heaney, M. T.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: Social Research: An International Quarterly
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• ISSN: 0037-783X
• ISSN (Online): 1944-768X
• Published Online: 12 July 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The New School
• First Published: First published in Social Research: An International Quarterly 90(2): 217-244
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy