| Each year, it is estimated that nearly 1500 incidents of violence occur during parades worldwide. However, little is known about the conditions in which these acts occur, particularly during celebratory parades. Traditionally, researchers in the area of interpersonal violence have attempted to explain acts of aggression in large crowds through the theories of deindividuation and impression management. This research sought to explore to which extent each of these two theories play in celebratory parade violence (CPV).;This project has two components: content analysis and interactive interviews. The content analysis of 50 parades reveals general information about CPV not previously known. More importantly, it shows that men under age 25 are usually the perpetrators of CPV.;The interactive interviews of 30 assailants present many interesting propositions. First, CPV tends to involve more impression management than deindividuation. Second, CPV with evidence of impression management typically involves just a few individuals committing the violence. The violence is goal oriented, generally intended to intimidate, to self-promote, or to exemplify. In contrast, CPV with evidence of deindividuation tends to involve a large number of people in an almost euphoric and mindless state, and the violence tend to be expressive. These individuals also report evidence of reduced accountability and reduced self-awareness. Furthermore, evidence of strains only appears in the impression management group, with acute strains acting as triggers. Additionally, all cases report alcohol consumption. However, strains and alcohol consumption must not be seen as root causes of CPV, but as variables that make CPV more likely to occur.;The conclusion posits that individuals engage in CPV more so through self-presentation than deindividuation, and they do so based on the context of their situations. Limitations of the present research and implications for future studies and practice are offered. |
