Here's a good link:
http://www.translationdirectory.com/article1123.htm

"Quirk et al (ibid) present a distinction of collective nouns. There are three subclasses of these nouns: (a) specific (b) generic and (c) unique. Examples which are not exhaustive include the following (See the table )... "

(Below are examples of collective generic nouns)

The aristocracy
The bourgeoisie
The clergy
The elite
The gentry
The intelligentsia
The laity
The proletariat
The public

"As far as concord is concerned, collectives take singular or plural verbs depending on their meaning. When you consider the group as one unit, you use a singular verb."