emergent-norm theory

an explanation of collective behavior suggesting that the uniformity in action often observed in crowds, cults, and other aggregations is caused by members’ conformity to unique social norms that develop spontaneously in those groups. See universality. [introduced in 1957 by U.S. sociologists Ralph H. Turner (1916– ) and Lewis M. Killian (1919–2010)]

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Psychology term of the day

December 20th 2024

furor

n. a sudden outburst of rage or excitement during which an irrational act of violence may be committed. In rare cases of epilepsy, the occurrence of furor takes the place of a tonic–clonic or complex partial seizure; this is known as epileptic furor. See also explosive personality; intermittent explosive disorder; isolated explosive disorder.