Individual to rioter: A theoretical analysis of collective behaviour

Sammanfattning: This study analyses the factors that contributed to the collective behaviour of the mob at the January 6th Capitol riot and which factors were most influential. Previous studies have primarily relied on motive and justification in explaining prevention means and in part the actions of crowds during riots. However, have been unable to provide an in-depth understanding of a crowd’s collective behaviour and the process that occurs when individuals are placed in a crowd setting. Data was collected through reports and articles to accumulate information on the event, those involved and relevant theories, these were placed in a coding agenda through deductive content analysis that was followed, throughout the study. The results found that baiting, milling, norms and SIDE were crucial influential factors that contributed to the mob’s collective behaviour. Furthermore, the collective behaviour can be deemed as normative for the situation and that in turn collective behaviour contributes to the violence at the Capitol riots.