Collective Behaviour in Khutsong, South Africa

Throughout the history of mankind, people have thrown themselves into dramatic episodes of collective behaviour. The scientific study of collective behaviour is neglected in South Africa. Khutsong is an underdeveloped urban residential area in the Gauteng Province of South Africa which experienced violent episodes of collective behaviour. The aim and objectives of the book are: To list and describe in great detail the protracted episodes of collective behaviour which occurred in Khutsong; to examine existing theories of collective behaviour in order to determine their contributions, if any, to an explanation of politically based, violent and protracted episodes of collective behaviour; to expose inadequacies, if any, in existing theories of collective behaviour and to focus attention on the psycho-socio-cultural environment in which violent, protracted and politicised episodes of collective behaviour are likely to occur; and to kindle interest and debate on a sadly neglected field of sociology in South Africa, viz. politicised, protracted and violent episodes of collective behaviour.