The Multivalence of Crowds

Crowds have diverse meanings and serve varied functions for their participants and observers. To make sense of this diversity, the ontology of crowds can be understood through two dimensions: (1) global/collective processes versus local/individual processes; and (2) symbolic benefits/costs versus concrete benefits/costs. Combining these dimensions yields four ideal types: crowds as symbols, crowds as identities, crowds as networks, and crowds as power. This essay explores how people relate to crowds from these perspectives and the political implications of their doing so.