multidão

Multidão is a Portuguese term that denotes a large group of people gathered in a shared space. In sociological and cultural contexts, a multidão can exhibit collective behavior that differs from the actions of individuals who compose it. The word is often translated into English as crowd.

The term derives from Latin multitūdō (multitude) and entered Portuguese with the sense of a large number of people. It contrasts with terms like massa (mass) or aglomeração (agglomeration), which emphasize proximity rather than social dynamics.

Crowd types commonly described by scholars include casual crowds, convergent crowds, expressive crowds, and acting crowds. Casual crowds form around a place with no shared purpose beyond proximity. Convergent crowds gather for a specific event or cause. Expressive crowds are driven by shared emotion, such as celebration or anger. Acting crowds arise to pursue or resist a concrete action.

Crowd psychology has a long history. Early theories, such as Gustave Le Bon’s, emphasized contagion, anonymity, and impulsive behavior within crowds. Later approaches, including convergence theory, suggest individuals with preexisting dispositions join crowds to realize those tendencies, while emergent-norm theory argues that new norms arise within the group to guide behavior.

Safety and management of crowds involve planning, risk assessment, density control, barriers, signage, and clear communication. Poor crowd control can lead to overcrowding, stampedes, crush injuries, or other hazards, especially at large events, protests, or pilgrimages.

Multidões are central to political, cultural, and religious life, serving as a signal of collective interest or sentiment and providing a context for collective actions and performances.