Ann. Rev. Sociol. 1983.9:579-600 Copyright © 1983 by Annual Reviews Inc. All rights reserved INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE BEHAVIORS WITHIN GATHERINGS, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND RIOTS Clark McPhail Department of Sociology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801 Ronald T. Wohlstein Department of Sociology, EasternIllinois University, Charleston, Illinois 61920 Abstract The life cycles of gatherings, demonstrations, and dots begin with an assemb- ling phase and end with a dispersal phase. The three types of events are primarily distinguished by the form and content of individual and collective behaviors that occur in the interim phase when a number of people are in the same locale at the same time. Wereview the past 15 years’ research on behaviors in this phase. We first consider some elementary formsof collective behaviorthat frequently occur in all gatherings, demonstrations, and dots, We next examine more complex dimensions and forms of behavior within political, religious, and sport demonstrations. We then review research on the individual and aggregate violence against person, property, and property rights that distinguishes riots. Finally, we note some recurring patterns in the research on all three types of events, and we identify problems warranting further investiga- tion. INTRODUCTION In the last 15 years, considerable attention has been given to certain common phasesin the life Cycle of gatherings, demonstrations, and riots. First, macro 579 0360-0572/83/0815-0579502.00 www.annualreviews.org/aronline Annual Reviews Annu. Rev. Sociol. 1983.9:579-600. Downloaded from arjournals.annualreviews.org by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS on 03/21/05. For personal use only.