by Elisa Garfagna
In modern metropolises, it’s not uncommon to witness moments when city streets transform into scenes of guerrilla warfare and uprising. These outbursts of collective fury, commonly defined as violent riots, are an intricate phenomenon that demands in-depth investigation. Let’s analyze the sociological, political, and psychological aspects that allow us to better interpret these recent events.
Sociologist Charles Tilly offers an illuminating perspective, framing riots as “repertoires of collective action.” Violent demonstrations are not mere outbursts of uncontrolled anger, but rather coordinated reactions to circumstances perceived as unjust. Individuals, united by a strong sense of unity, choose the streets as a theater to express their dissent, even violently.
In turn, Erving Goffman enriches this vision with his “frame analysis.” His theory highlights how shared narratives play a decisive role in shaping and coordinating riots. When a group becomes convinced of being a victim of injustice, this belief can fuel actions of extreme aggression.
In the political sphere, Herbert Blumer leads us to consider riots as indicators of a more deep-rooted discomfort. His “mobilization theory” proposes that these episodes of violence often stem from institutions’ inability to adequately meet citizens’ needs. Riots, therefore, are configured as an extreme attempt to draw attention to underestimated or ignored issues.
Shifting focus to the psychological aspect, we encounter the concept of “deindividuation” developed by Philip Zimbardo. This theory illustrates how, within a multitude, individuals can lose the perception of their individual identity. This phenomenon can induce usually peaceful people to perform acts they would never have contemplated in other circumstances, carried away by the mass.
Henri Tajfel and John Turner, with their social identity theory, help us understand how cohesive groups form during these events. People deeply identify with the common cause, creating a clear distinction between “us” and “them.” This sense of belonging can strengthen the determination of protesters, but also exacerbate conflicts with those perceived as antagonists.
As highlighted in the “Sociology Manual” by Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton: “Riots represent a form of collective action that emerges when conventional channels of expressing dissent are perceived as ineffective or inaccessible. They often reflect deep social tensions and can act as catalysts for social change.”
Thus, it’s not simply about uncontrolled outbursts of anger, but an interweaving of social, political, and psychological factors. Accumulated frustrations, the perception of being ignored by institutions, and group dynamics combine, generating a veritable time bomb that spills into cities.
Urban riots remain a delicate and difficult-to-interpret topic. However, we can begin to unravel the complexity of causes and consequences, paving the way for more constructive and sustained solutions that shape a stronger and less fragmented Western society.