Global Sporting Spectacles: The Olympic Games – A Mass Psychology and Unity Phenomenon
The Olympic Games, in principle, are the largest and most international sporting event of our time. The Olympics, as assembled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), unite nations in the spirit of competitive camaraderie and a showcasing of respect for each other. Since ancient Greece, the Games have represented peace, cooperation, and competition to be the best. They have become a sport's capacity to cross cultures and facilitate diplomacy.
Plausibly, why is it then this wonderful congregation is so engrossing to humankind's mind? Why is it that so diverse a group of humankind shares such interest in sport?
The Science of Collective Behavior
Social Identity Theory and Group Dynamics
One reason the Olympics are so cohesive is in the way they ignite our group awareness. Social Identity Theory—the topic of muchdebate in psychology—suggests that people draw much of their self-perception from belonging to social groups. When millions step out to welcome their nation's competitors, they feel a burst of national pride and group belonging. It is not one reserved for sports enthusiasts alone; it is a sign of an inbuilt psychological need to belong and be part of something larger than us.
Collective Effervescence: Durkheim's Legacy
French sociologist Émile Durkheim first coined the term "collective effervescence" to refer to the highly emotional and energetic atmosphere that permeates mass events.
At the Olympics, the collective thrill created in stadiums and even around TV sets all over the world is such a modern-day example. Emotional and thrilling stimulus to the audience not only enhances their enjoyment of the event but also enhances social bonding among people of different cultures and backgrounds.