The Crowd · Chapter
Homogeneous Crowds explained
This chapter introduces the concept of homogeneous crowds, distinguishing them from heterogeneous crowds.
What happens
This chapter introduces the concept of homogeneous crowds, distinguishing them from heterogeneous crowds. It describes three varieties: sects, castes, and classes. Sects are linked by common beliefs, castes by common profession and education, and classes by common interests, habits, and education. The author notes that this work focuses on heterogeneous crowds and defers detailed study of homogeneous crowds to another volume.
Themes in this chapter
Psychology of Crowds
The chapter categorizes homogeneous crowds into sects, castes, and classes, analyzing their organizational structure and unifying factors.
Key passages
“The sect represents the first step in the process of organisation of homogeneous crowds.”
Sects are the initial form of organized homogeneous crowds.
Defines the sect as the most basic level of crowd organization.
“The caste represents the highest degree of organisation of which the crowd is susceptible.”
Castes are the most highly organized form of crowd.
Highlights the caste as the pinnacle of crowd organization.
“The class is formed of individuals of diverse origin, linked together not by a community of beliefs, as are the members of a sect, or by common professional occupations, as are the members of a caste, but by certain interests and certain habits of life and education almost identical.”
Classes unite people of different backgrounds through shared interests, habits, and education, unlike sects or castes.
Distinguishes the class from sect and caste based on unifying factors.