Group dynamics and the U.S. Capitol insurrection: An introduction to the special issue.

Abstract

Objective: On January 6, 2021, a group of individuals violently breached the U.S. Capitol to prevent congressional action. This introduction to the special issue applies basic theories and principles of group psychology to the insurrection and related events. Our goal is to contribute to an understanding of such events and offer some theoretically guided strategies for resolving and preventing similar group-motivated hostilities. Method: The insurrection and surrounding events that are analyzed throughout this special issue are described. Each article featured in the special issue is previewed, highlighting the theoretical constructs and principles employed. They include dynamic social impact theory, person-situation interactionism, emergent norm theory, focus theory, communication models, intergroup dialog theory, models of crowd behavior, and motivational systems. Finally, we preview the concluding article to the special issue that offers additional perspectives and prospects for the future. Results: Group dynamics offers numerous perspectives that help explain the insurrection and related events. These perspectives also provide insights into how such events can be prevented, and how the social tensions that follow such events can be alleviated. Conclusions: It is critical to develop a valid understanding of the factors that precipitated the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Research on the psychology of group dynamics provides numerous empirically supported theories and principles that can contribute to that understanding. Ultimately, a multiple perspective approach will maximize our understanding of the human tendencies and social institutions that promote and dissuade group-based violent extremism, such as the January 6, 2021, U.S. insurrection.

Another Civil War in America? Comparing the Social Psychology of the United States of the 1850s to Today

“…Liberals also tend to support the idea that American society has disenfranchised Blacks through a system of mass incarceration that leaves Black men branded for life (e.g., as felons, parolees, and so on) (M. Alexander, 2012). Critically, the emotional intensity of the two perspectives has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, permeating even national sports, real estate selection, and public education (J. W. Jackson & Hinsz, 2022). The extreme Right now dominates the Republican Party in many statehouses and the U.S. House of Representatives, as demonstrated by its ability to block Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House until numerous concessions by a far-right were met, and ultimately ousting him early in his tenure (Edmondson, 2023).…”

“…Alexander, 2012). Critically, the emotional intensity of the two perspectives has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, permeating even national sports, real estate selection, and public education (J. W. Jackson & Hinsz, 2022).…”

The Insurrectionist Playbook: Jair Bolsonaro and the National Congress of Brazil

“…Studies that explored the insurrectionist playbook have foregrounded the intersection of elite rhetoric and grassroots radicalization. This latter body of work speaks to the behavioral and psychological factors driving the radicalization of insurrectionists by applying theories of group psychology to the 6 January insurrectionists (Jackson & Hinsz, 2022). Rothbart and Stebbins (2022) argued that righteous rage constitutes an expression of political power and that emotionally charged aggression against adversaries is integral to hate groups.…”

The Insurrectionist Playbook: Jair Bolsonaro and the National Congress of Brazil

“…Studies that explored the insurrectionist playbook have foregrounded the intersection of elite rhetoric and grassroots radicalization. This latter body of work speaks to the behavioral and psychological factors driving the radicalization of insurrectionists by applying theories of group psychology to the January 6 insurrectionists (Jackson & Hinsz, 2022). Rothbart and Stebbins (2022) argued that the righteous rage constitutes an expression of political power and that emotionally charged aggression against adversaries is integral to hate groups.…”