Understanding crowd conflict: social context, psychology and policing. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stott, Clifford; Radburn, Matthew
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 35(2020)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Highlights: The review details the role of social context, social identity, intergroup dynamics and policing in the dynamics of riots. A psychological level of analysis is necessary but not sufficient to understand and manage crowd conflict. The social identity approach to crowds has been applied in policy, practice and inter-disciplinary theoretical development. Our responsibility as social scientists is not just to develop 'value free' and abstracted theory. Theory should help expose counter-productive outcomes and processes in the exercise of power and protect human rights. Abstract : This review draws together articles from a range of different disciplines to highlight the central role played by social context and policing in the dynamics of crowd conflict. Accordingly, the review highlights the importance and value of interdisciplinary dialogue both in attempts to advance theoretical understanding of the dynamics through which crowd events become violent but also in using knowledge to advance and defend democratic and human rights-based forms of state intervention into crowd events.