massoppstilling

Massoppstilling, a term originating from Norwegian, translates to "mass formation" in English. It is a concept used to describe a psychological phenomenon where a large group of people collectively focus their attention and emotions on a specific idea, leader, or cause. This intense focus can lead to a shared sense of belonging and purpose among the group members, often resulting in a willingness to follow the group's collective actions or beliefs, even if they may not align with individual rational thought or personal values.

The term gained prominence through the work of Norwegian psychologist and philosopher Lars Svendsen, who explored the concept in his book "A Philosophy of Loneliness" (1999). Svendsen argues that massoppstilling can occur in various contexts, such as political movements, religious groups, or even consumer culture. He suggests that this phenomenon can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the nature of the collective focus and the actions it inspires.

In a positive light, massoppstilling can foster social cohesion, promote collective action for the greater good, and provide individuals with a sense of meaning and belonging. However, it can also have detrimental effects, such as the suppression of individual critical thinking, the promotion of groupthink, and the potential for collective actions that may harm others or society as a whole.

Understanding massoppstilling is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of group behavior and the influence of collective psychology on individual actions. It highlights the importance of maintaining critical thinking and independent judgment, even when faced with strong collective pressures.