Understanding Crowd Theory
Early crowd related literature provides a disparaging view of large-scale gatherings, depicting them as out of control entities, which are a threat to disciplined society. Whilst the notion of crowds as irrational, ferocious, homogenous collectives has been challenged by numerous academics, there is no singly accepted explanation addressing the complexities of crowd behaviour.
Since early theories, spawned from French revolutionary gatherings, the social landscape has changed considerably and crowds have become a regular and increasing phenomenon. As a wide range of incidents attest, such crowds can be fraught with danger and have resulted in many injuries and deaths across the world. Large crowds of people have potentially serious consequences if poorly managed or neglected, and sadly many people continue to be seriously injured or killed every year whilst part of a mass gathering
Being able to predict and influence behaviour are key factors in managing any crowd and as such, understanding crowd theory should be a priority for any crowd safety professional.
However, my recent research suggests this is not always the case. A survey of over 120 football crowd safety specialists, reported less than half feel they are trained in crowd theory.
The vast majority recognise a potential contradiction with over three quarters agreeing with the statement ‘Understanding crowd theory is essential in my role’.
These results were further evidenced when participants were asked to what extent they agree with various theories. The widespread results demonstrate the lack of consistent views amongst the crowd safety professionals with the majority of responses in the mid-range of the scale. Convergence was the least popular theory whilst Deindividuation and the two Social Identity theories all averaged over 7 out of 10 in terms of agreement levels. Gustav Le Bon’s theory of Contagion provided an average of above 6, evidencing respondents were more inclined to agree than disagree with this disputed theory.
Given many participants were police commanders, these results are concerning. Academics condemn policing strategy based on Contagion Theory and some evidence the fact that policing tactics can often contribute to disorder rather than enhance crowd safety.
It is suggested these assertions are also relevant to stewards, security guards and all event staff. Treating crowds as homogenous, unruly entities can lead to ineffective, inflammatory Crowd management techniques.
Knowledge and awareness of why
people behave in certain ways, being able to predict movement and understanding
likely actions and reactions to crowd management techniques would no doubt
improve safety.
The research also found surprising levels of perceived expertise in crowd density and flow rates. Only a quarter of respondents agreed that they were indeed experts in these areas whilst over 36% either disagreed or strongly disagreed. The remainder chose to neither agree nor disagree.
With the rapid expansion of the events industry over recent decades, large crowds have become more frequent. Whilst the appropriate knowledge clearly exists among many crowd safety practitioners, there is a real concern that a significant proportion of those in responsible positions are in fact basing their decisions on a lack of awareness and expertise in fundamental aspects of crowd safety.
Crowd behavioural theory, density and flow should be widely understood, trained and discussed. Theory can make a substantial contribution in the field of crowd safety.