Abstract

This study examines the role of the group mentality in the formation or prevention of social violence in the light of the current literature. Group mentality expresses the tendency of individuals to adapt to the norms, values and purposes of a group, and this phenomenon can be on the basis of both peaceful and violent social behaviors (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). The literature shows that the group mentality has a two-way potential: on the one hand, it can trigger violence through mechanisms such as polarization, separation of us and anonymity; On the other hand, it can prevent violence through common identity construction, establishment of positive group norms and peaceful leadership models (Gaertner & Dovidio, 2000; Reicher, 2001). In the study, social identity theory, mass psychology approach and normative behavior models were used as basic theoretical frameworks (Cialdini & Throst, 1998; Le Bon, 2001). Historical and current case analyzes - for example, the 1994 Rwanda Genocide and Gandhi's Satyagrah Movement - Group mentality clearly demonstrate that violence can be both the provocative and the preventive. The example of Rwanda shows how extreme nationalism and hate speech can shape group norms in the direction of violence; The Satyagraha Movement proves that the same mechanism can enable social change within the framework of peaceful values. The study emphasizes the necessity of taking into account the dynamics of group mentality in strategies to prevent social violence. In this context, among the main strategies proposed for policy makers, security forces and non -governmental organizations; Strengthening group norms based on nonviolence, reducing the othering language, supporting common identity projects and encouraging peaceful leadership models. As a result, the group mentality is an effective social tool in preventing violence when it is directed correctly; When misleading, it can be the feeder of violence.