Kitty Genovese Case

Definition

The Kitty Genovese case refers to the tragic murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964, which became a pivotal event in understanding the bystander effect. This case highlighted how a large number of witnesses failed to intervene or even call for help during her assault, leading to widespread public discussion about the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in emergencies when others are present. It raised awareness about the psychological barriers that can prevent people from acting during critical situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kitty Genovese was attacked multiple times over a period of about 30 minutes, during which it is reported that several witnesses heard her screams but did not intervene.
2. The case led to significant research on the bystander effect, prompting psychologists like Bibb Latané and John Darley to study why people fail to help in emergencies.
3. This incident spurred changes in emergency response systems, including the creation of 911 as an emergency hotline in the United States.
4. The initial reports exaggerated the number of witnesses involved, claiming dozens observed the attack without helping, though later research clarified this number.
5. The Kitty Genovese case remains a critical example in social psychology classes to illustrate the complexities of human behavior in crisis situations.

Review Questions

• How does the Kitty Genovese case illustrate the concept of the bystander effect?
  • The Kitty Genovese case serves as a classic example of the bystander effect because it demonstrates how numerous witnesses observed her brutal attack yet chose not to intervene or call for help. This phenomenon highlights that when people are in a group, they often assume someone else will take responsibility, leading to inaction. The details of this case have been used extensively in psychology to explain why individuals might fail to assist victims during emergencies.
• Discuss how diffusion of responsibility plays a role in the reactions of witnesses during the Kitty Genovese case.
  • In the context of the Kitty Genovese case, diffusion of responsibility explains why many witnesses did not act during her assault. When numerous people are present, individuals may feel less accountable for helping, believing that someone else will step in. This psychological barrier can lead to a situation where everyone assumes that another bystander will take action, resulting in no one actually providing assistance. The case underscores how group dynamics can inhibit proactive behavior in emergencies.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the Kitty Genovese case on societal attitudes toward intervention in emergencies and its impact on psychological research.
  • The broader implications of the Kitty Genovese case have significantly shaped societal attitudes regarding intervention in emergencies. It raised awareness about the barriers that inhibit individuals from helping others, leading to an increased emphasis on training and educational programs about emergency response and personal responsibility. Additionally, this case sparked extensive psychological research into the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility, resulting in valuable insights that influence both theoretical understanding and practical applications in emergency situations today.

Related terms

Bystander Effect: A social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when there are other people present, often due to a diffusion of responsibility.

Diffusion of Responsibility: The tendency for individuals to feel less personal responsibility for taking action when others are present, leading to a decreased likelihood of intervention.

Social Psychology: The scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.