RACE RIOTS PAST AND PRESENT - A CULTURAL-COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR APPROACH

Four essential themes in a cultural-collective behavior approach to ra ce riots are developed. First is the historical shift in patterns of r ace rioting. Second is the application of a general collective behavio r model accounting for extrainstitutionality, conversion of feelings i nto overt action, and acting collectively rather than individually. Th ird is process, stressing contingent developments during a period of t esting. Fourth is the nullification of customary meanings of action, w ith clues to understanding drawn from anthropological study of ''ritua ls of rebellion'' and psychological studies of ''obedience to authorit y.''