The New State · Question
How does The New State develop the theme of Rejection of Crowd Psychology and Mass Rule?
Answer
The New State by Mary Parker Follett develops Rejection of Crowd Psychology and Mass Rule across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The text distinguishes the 'group' (governed by interpenetration and conscious creation) from the 'crowd' (governed by suggestion and imitation), warning that democracy must not become crowd rule, which suppresses individuality and rational thought.
The chapter critiques mass-based democracy and majority rule, advocating instead for deliberative group processes as the true expression of popular will.
The author distinguishes group psychology from crowd psychology (based on suggestion and imitation), emphasizing that progress depends on the group, not the crowd.
Explicitly rejects majority rule as a substitute for true group consensus, emphasizing that passive or coerced agreement does not produce a genuine group idea.
Evidence in the book
- The New State: Group Organization the Solution of Popular Government
The chapter critiques mass-based democracy and majority rule, advocating instead for deliberative group processes as the true expression of popular will.
- I: The Group and the New Psychology
The author distinguishes group psychology from crowd psychology (based on suggestion and imitation), emphasizing that progress depends on the group, not the crowd.
- II: The Group Process: The Collective Idea
Explicitly rejects majority rule as a substitute for true group consensus, emphasizing that passive or coerced agreement does not produce a genuine group idea.
- V: The Group Process: The Collective Will
Criticizes mechanical solutions and the assumption that a new form (e.g., socialism) automatically produces desired outcomes, emphasizing instead the active creation of will.
- VI: The Unity of the Social Process
Distinguishes the group process from majority rule, emphasizing synthesized judgment over mere majority decision.
- X: Society
The chapter opposes the organic theory's hierarchical implications and emphasizes the psychic, non-physical nature of social bonds.
- The Crowd Fallacy
The chapter argues that crowd action is based on emotional suggestion and unthinking unanimity, contrasting it with genuine group process.
- XIII: The Secret of Progress
Critiques the theory that social evolution depends on individual progress with imitation by the crowd, emphasizing instead the group process of interpenetration.
