Why is the term "collective action" becoming more popular than the older term,"collective behavior"?

The term "collective action" is becoming more popular than the older term "collective behavior" for several reasons, reflecting shifts in both academic focus and societal trends:

1. **Agency and Purpose**: "Collective action" emphasizes the agency of groups in taking deliberate and organized actions to achieve a specific objective. It suggests a level of intentionality and strategy that "collective behavior" does not necessarily imply. "Collective behavior" often refers to the actions of groups that may be spontaneous or uncoordinated, such as crowds reacting to an event. In contrast, "collective action" is associated with movements that are proactive and goal-oriented, such as social or political activism.

2. **Social Movements and Change**: In recent years, there has been an increase in social movements that are organized and utilize collective action to bring about change. These movements often have clear agendas and use social media and other modern organizational tools to coordinate their efforts. The term "collective action" better captures the nature of these movements than "collective behavior," which might be seen as less structured.

3. **Interdisciplinary Research**: The study of collective action has grown to encompass various disciplines, including sociology, political science, economics, and environmental studies. Researchers in these fields are interested in understanding how individuals come together to address common problems or to advocate for change. The term "collective action" is more inclusive and applicable across these different areas of study.

4. **Globalization and Connectivity**: In a globalized world, the ability for groups to organize and act collectively across borders has increased. Issues such as climate change, human rights, and international trade require coordinated efforts that transcend national boundaries. "Collective action" reflects the global and interconnected nature of these efforts.

5. **Public Policy and Governance**: The concept of collective action is also important in the context of public policy and governance. It is used to describe how different stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, can work together to address public issues. This collaborative approach is increasingly seen as necessary to tackle complex challenges.

6. **Theoretical Development**: Theories of collective action, such as those related to the "collective action problem" and "public goods," have become more sophisticated and developed over time. These theories address the challenges and mechanisms by which individuals can be motivated to work together for a common interest, overcoming the temptation to free-ride on the efforts of others.

In summary, the term "collective action" has gained popularity as it better captures the intentional, organized, and purpose-driven nature of group activities in contemporary society. It reflects the evolution of social movements, the interdisciplinary nature of modern research, the impact of globalization, the relevance to public policy, and the theoretical advancements in understanding how and why individuals collaborate to achieve collective goals.