An Experiment in Breaking The Norms: A Personal Narrative

A norm is defined as expectations, or rules of behavior that reflect and enforce behavior.(Henslin, 2009) When people are in public settings we expect individuals to behave in a certain way. For example when standing in line to see a show or to purchase an item we expect everyone to stand in a single file line. We expect individuals to wait their turn as they proceed to the front of the line. Another expectation or norm is we expect individuals to have dinning etiquette when eating in restaurants. We expect people to dine using the proper utensils. I thought about this example as I was pondering for an observation to perform. I decided that I would take a chance and visit a well respected restaurant in my area and break the norm of eating with proper utensils.

My port of call was an Italian restaurant in my city called Castiglias. Castiglias is a family owned Italian restaurant with a loyal base of patrons. I have visited the restaurant many times before but I have not been back in several years. The restaurant is located in a strip mall with various other types of stores. From the outside the restaurant has a very commercialized facade. However, when you step inside the décor is out of a Tuscany village. The entrance is an arched opening with vines and pillars. There are no booths all seating is at round tables ranging from large too small for intimate dinning. The walls have murals of arched window openings to give the allusion that you are overlooking an Italian town.

I decide to conduct my observation at lunch time during the week. One reason for this so I would not look so conspicuous dining alone. The other reason is that the restaurant is well known for being busy with customers during this ...

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...ppropriately. I told him I was fine and he walked off. It was intriguing because I noticed Tony’s facial expression was that of disapproval. I also noted that he visited other tables two to three times during the meals but only mine once.

Even though this was a small experiment I can see firsthand how social interaction can change from just the slightest gesture. After this experience I feel I am more aware of cultural differences. Even though people may not always conform to our own perception of what is acceptable; it is this individuality, cultural differences and social chemistry that makes the world so fascinating. As I discussed with my wife, cultures are something to cherish and I hope to travel abroad to experience them first hand.

Works Cited

Henslin, James M. (2010). Sociology: a down-to-earth approach, books a la carte edition. Prentice Hall