Final answer:
An acting crowd is a group of people with a specific political goal or action, such as a protest or social movement. These crowds, which differ from casual, conventional, and expressive crowds, engage in collective action to influence governmental decisions or enact social change.
Step-by-step explanation:
A crowd that is exhibiting sympathy for or against authority or for a political cause is known as an acting crowd. According to Turner and Killian (1993), acting crowds are focused on a specific goal or action, such as a protest movement or riot. This categorization applies to scenarios like social movements and uprisings where the collective action is directed towards a political objective or in response to authority. For example, the protesters at an Egypt uprising rally would be considered an acting crowd because they are focused on achieving a shared political aim.
There are various types of crowds that differ based on their characteristics and objectives. While casual and conventional crowds may gather without any significant shared intent, expressive crowds come together to share a common emotion. However, it is the acting crowds that are particularly relevant in the context of public demonstrations and political engagement, as they represent a collective effort towards enacting change or expressing dissent.
Civic engagement through organized group activity, such as what occurs in acting crowds, can increase the power of ordinary people to influence government actions. Through active participation in social movements and protests, people can challenge existing structures of power and work towards political or social change, illustrating the practical manifestation of acting crowds.