Collective Efficacy Definition

Collective efficacy is a term used in social science to describe the belief that a group of people can work together to achieve a common goal. It is often used in the context of community organizing and development, as well as in studies of educational attainment and crime rates.

The concept of collective efficacy was first introduced by sociologist Robert K. Merton in his 1957 book Social Theory and Social Structure. In this work, Merton defined collective efficacy as ‘the capacity of a group to mobilize its resources for action.’ He argued that collective efficacy is important for understanding why some groups are able to achieve their goals, while others are not.

Since its introduction, the concept of collective efficacy has been widely studied and applied in a variety of contexts. Researchers have found that collective efficacy is associated with higher levels of civic engagement, volunteerism, and social cohesion. Additionally, studies have shown that collective efficacy can lead to improved educational outcomes and reduced crime rates.