Looking at Smelser’s Theory of Collective Behavior After Almost 50 Years: A Review and Appreciation

A half century has gone by since the publication of Neil Smelser’s classic book on the Theory of
Collective Behavior. The re-issue of the book triggered these observations in which I reflect on the fate of old books; trace a bit of the book’s
genealogy; note changes in the field; and argue that Smelser’s book is really four books in one with varying impact over the
decades and likely to be of varying interest to current scholars—an application of Parsonian theory to conflict and change;
an elaboration of key concepts found with collective behavior which involves “uninstitutionalized mobilization to reconstitute
components of social action on the basis of a generalized belief”; an elaboration of variables such as objective conditions
of the social order, perceptions and belief systems required to understand the topic; and a comprehensive summary and critique
of relevant empirical and theoretical work on collective behavior through the 1950s. Based on criticisms of the book, I suggest
some areas that should be addressed were the book to be revised.