There is limited research into the types of crowds and crowd
membership and there is no consensus as to the classification of types of crowds. That
is, a crowd changes its level of emotional intensity over time, and therefore, can be
classed in any one of the four types
Generally, researchers in crowd psychology have focused on the negative aspects of
crowds, but not all crowds are volatile or negative in nature Crowds can be active
(mobs) or passive (audiences). Active crowds can be further divided into aggressive,
escapist, acquisitive, or expressive mobs. Aggressive mobs are often violent and
outwardly focused.
In the crowd the emotional tone is heightened by the concentration of attention, the
suggestions of leaders, the use of verbal and other symbols, the excited gestures of the
crowd members, and other circumstances of the occasion. On the basis of these
emotional characteristics, the crowd is easily led. In the crowd, mostly critical faculties
are in abeyance. Individuals accept as true the most improbable of statements. Some of
the most important theories regarding crowd behavior are as follows:
Le Bon’s Theory
McDougall’s Theory
Freud’s Theory
Allport’s Theory
Turner’s Theory..