Space Bubble

604 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: social norms modern day

Violation of Space
On today’s episode of “Know Your Principles of Sociology,” the question is how important are the mundane rules of life? Our contestants in Dr. Marin’s class helped us out with finding the answer. To answer this they simply violated an unwritten social norm that people live by in our culture. They decided to violate the space theory. Weather it be to randomly hug people or sit extremely close to them, these brave young souls went to the farthest ends to observe and document the expressions of those being violated and those of others witnessing it. We now will go to one of the students to tell us about the experiment.
In article 14 of Cargan and Ballantine’s text Sociological Footprints, they discuss the variable of nonverbal communication. Anyone can learn the words of a language but to understand the gestures and facial expressions is difficult unless raised in that culture. That is why understanding nonverbal communication is important, cause without this knowledge then outsiders would be confused and problems may occur.
In our experiment we decided to invade people’s personal “bubble”. To do this we secretly videotaped them while others went up and got close to them. Now normally in an American society we have our space and we do not like it when strangers intrude on that space. If done then the typical reaction is to step back and gain the space between back. That ...

Show More
Related

  • Communication Vs Nonverbal Communication

    865 Words  | 2 Pages

    While I was breaking the rule of personal space, I felt somewhat uncomfortable myself. I did learn that this is a real rule in our society and that I am not alone in how I feel. In my home, the kitchen is my personal space and I don’t like to have anyone in there when I am cooking a meal. I also don’t like people to stand too close to me when I am talking with them. I will automatically move a few steps away if someone, other than my family, is too close to me when they are conversing with me. Thus, breaking this rule was a little difficult for me and extremely fascinating at the same

    Read More

  • Social Deviance Experiment

    1270 Words  | 3 Pages

    LET'S SIT RIGHT BACK AND HEAR A TALE, A TALE OF A FATEFUL TRIP, THAT STARTED ON THIS DESERT ISLE, ON THIS TINY SHIP.... WHEN YOU TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF AFLOAT IN THIS OCEAN OF PEOPLE, IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TO KICK UP A STORM AND CAPSIZE. FOR AN ENTIRE DAY I WAS A ONE MAN TROPICAL DEPRESSION. MY PARTNER AND I WANDERED AROUND TOWN WITH ONLY A GOAL OF INVADING OTHERS' PERSONAL SPACE. THROUGHOUT THE CITY, WE CROWDED PEOPLE AT PAYPHONES, SAT NEXT TO PEOPLE ON PARK BENCHES, SNUGGLED UP TO SINGLE RIDERS ON ELEVATORS, BROKE THE LAW OF URINAL ETIQUETTE ABD GENERALLY ANNOYED PEOPLE IN A LIBRARY. WITH THE PAYPHONE WE MADE THE INITIAL DECISION TO ALTERNATE, MY PARTNER BEING FEMALE AND I MALE, TO ALSO SEE THE DIFFERENCE RESPONSES TO MALE VS. FEMALE INTRUSION. WE WOULD ALTERNATELY WALK UP TO AND STAND BESIDE THE KIOSK OR BOOTH. WE MADE A DRAMATIC DEMONSTRATION OF NOT LISTENING TO THE CONVERSATION BY DIGGING THROUGH PURSE OR WALLET OR TOEING AROUND SOME IMAGINARY OBJECT ON THE GROUND. ON PARK BENCHES WE USED THE SAME IDEA. WE ONLY STUCK OURSELVES INTO THE SITUATION IF THERE WAS ONLY A SOLO RIDER AND ENOUGH ROOM FOR US TO HAVE STOOD A DISTANCE AWAY. CROWDING SOMEONE IN AN EMPTY 10' X 8' ELEVATOR OR PLOPPING DOWN NEXT TO SOMEONE ON A PARK BENCH SURROUNDED BY FOUR TO FIVE EMPTY BENCHES SEEMED TO SHOW THE MOST DRAMATIC RESPONSE. WE DECIDED THAT THE RULES NORMALLY ADHERED TO IN A LIBRARY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF PERSONAL SPACE, JUST THAT THE SPACE HAD BEEN EXPANDED IN SIZE AND WIDENED TO INCLUDED SOUND PRODUCED BY ANOTHER. MY PARTNER SET HER CELL PHONE AND PAGER IN FRONT OF HER O A TABLE, SLID HER HEADPHONES INTO PLACE TO MAKE IT EASIER TO IGNORE BOTH AND SAT THERE. I MOVED TO THE STACK AREA AND CALLED HER PAGER AND PHONE REPEATEDLY. THE MOST QUESTIONABLE WAYS TO TEST PERSONAL SPACE WERE MINE, ASSUMING THEY WERE ALSO THE EASIEST TO DRAW VIOLENCE. I SPENT AN HOUR INSIDE THE THE WALK IN LOBBY OF A BANK IN THE DAYLIGHT AND AGAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT GETTING WHAT WAS EVIDENTLY TOO CLOSE TO PEOPLE USING ATM MACHINES. THE LAST DEVIANT ACT WITHIN THE REALM OF PERSONAL SPACE WAS DONE ONCE AND ONLY ONCE. WITHIN A BANK OF SEVEN URINALS IN A RESTROOM, I WAITED FOR ONE TO BE USED (THE FAR RIGHT WAS PICKED), THEN MOVED TO THE SECOND FROM THE RIGHT.

    Read More

  • The Behavioral Deviance of a Social Norm

    617 Words  | 2 Pages

    Deviance is any behavior, belief, or condition that violates significant social norms in the society or group in which it occurs (Kendall, 2012). Our experiment will study the behavioral deviance of a social norm. Sociologists use symbolic interactionism to study face-to-face interactions. We are expected to follow these certain unwritten rules of behavior telling us the way that we should act in certain situations. The social norm or folkway I chose to break was that of invading an individual’s personal space. See Figure 1.0 showing the proximity generally utilized by Americans, according to Edward T.Hall. Personal space is the region surrounding a person, approximately 18 inches, which they regard as psychologically theirs. People value their personal space, and feel discomfort, anger, or anxiety when their personal space is encroached (Personal space, n.d.). We walked around to find the best scenario and individuals to interject our teammate in purposefully invading their comfort zone.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Nonverbal Norms

    929 Words  | 2 Pages

    Nonverbal behavior is channeled by norms and most of us abide by them without being aware of them. Physical appearance, gesture and body movement, face and eye behavior, vocal behavior, personal space, touch, scent/smell, and time are all forms of nonverbal communication behavior. Norms differ amongst various cultures, ethnic, and geographic groups. There are endless ways and forms to violate nonverbal norms, and by doing so can lead to a barrier in communication, which are problematic to distinguish.

    Read More

  • Social Norms in Society

    1041 Words  | 3 Pages

    One big implicit social norm involves personal space. In our society it is implicitly know that you give people enough space when waiting in line or when sitting next to them as not to invade their personal bubble. I thought it would be particularly interesting to see what people did the moment you crossed that “bubble line.” Periodically throughout the day I would intrude upon people’s bubbles. For varied results, this occurred in classrooms, the elevator, the lunch line, the lunch table, and at work. During classes and at lunch I would move my chair really close to that of the person next to me. While in the lunch line and in the elevator I would stand really close to the person, even if there was plenty of space to spread out. At work, again I stood really close to the person when talking to them.

    Read More

  • Participant Observation Essay Examples

    730 Words  | 2 Pages

    After a few days spent home with my parents it was time to return to the University of South Florida to continue with classes. I arrived at Regan International Airport at 7:45 am for and 9 am flight where I would conduct the research strategy of participant observation. Participant observation is a strategy involving both participation in and observation of the daily life of the people being studied. I made my way to the gate, sitting an elderly couple was across from me, next to me was a young woman and behind me was an older gentleman. Many people walked around the terminal trying to find seats close to the gate but far enough away from people they were unfamiliar with. There were little kids around the age of 3 and 4 walking around engaging in conversation with everyone. One little girl had stopped by me, saying “Hi” and then attempted to sit with me. However, her parents ensured she was not allowed to sit with me which I assumed was fear of losing their child. Also, with no rapport between me and the parents it was understandable as to why they would remove the child from trying to sit with me. Meaning the relationship of trust and familiarity with members of the community were not developed.

    Read More

  • Interpersonal Communication

    814 Words  | 2 Pages

    In every society nonverbal communication is one of the most powerful tools that a person can use to interpret the message that is being delivered. Even though verbal communication is fairly straightforward, nonverbal communication allows others to sense the true emotions of the person that is expressing them. For example even though a person may say that they are not irritated, their usage of voice may display otherwise. Nonverbal communication not only reveals hidden messages, but it also complements, substitutes, and exaggerates verbal communication.

    Read More

  • Nonverbal Communication Observation

    542 Words  | 2 Pages

    Space communication can help an observer depict a lot from a conversation he or she is witnessing. Around 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon I was walking out of the bookstore in building eight at north campus. I decided to sit at one of the picnic tables, from a distance I saw two young African American students, around 21 or 22 years old sitting down on the swings. I quickly put on my glasses for a better view. I noticed that there was barely any space in between the two; they were stuck together like glue. I automatically assumed that they were involved, and after the young lady placed her head on the guys shoulder it amplified my suspicions. The angle I was...

    Read More

  • Nonverbal Communication

    1530 Words  | 4 Pages

    Burgoon, J. K. Buller, D. B. and Woodall W. G. (1989). Nonverbal Communication: The Unspoken Dialogue. New York: Harper & Row.

    Read More

  • Observation Of Student's Place In Crossroads During Sunday Night

    623 Words  | 2 Pages

    My fieldwork was taken place in Crossroads during Sunday night for dinner. I choice the breaching method to challenge the social norms that are in places like the common areas for Berkeley students. The method gave me the understanding of how much students are capable to talk with their bear peers. I am

    Read More

  • Experiential Exercise Analysis

    1246 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hall’s spatial zones — was clearly displayed in this exercise. According to Hall, the relationship between others and ourselves determines what space we let people into. Bailey and I are good friends, but we are not on the level to let each other into our intimate space zone. I completely understand why it is usually reserved for romantic partners, because Bailey and I experienced physicality with each other that we were not comfortable with. While we were at brunch, we had to sit so close to each other that our plates were practically touching, and we kept bumping into each other’s arms. When we were studying on my bed, we had to sit directly next to each other, so close that we could see each other’s computer screens. While we were walking through the crowd at Pike Place, people kept trying to break apart Bailey and me so we had to link arms to maintain our distance. All of these behaviors made us uncomfortable. We were constantly put in a position that made us close when we weren’t ready for it, and therefore we were mutually dissatisfied with how our day

    Read More

  • Non-Verbal Communication

    1672 Words  | 4 Pages

    Communication is a worldwide skill used among people to talk to each other and clarifybeliefs, thoughts and opinions or build relationships with one another; however, this is not the only form of communication. Non-verbal communication entails of communication without words; it is displayed by the body and actions of a person sharing them. This type of communication is important when understanding human behavior. Does non-verbal communication difference among cultures?

    Read More

  • Communication Group Reflection

    714 Words  | 2 Pages

    However, after I learn the concept, I found it is important in our lives. To talk about why this lesson was important, at first, “More time is spent communicating nonverbally than verbally” (150). For example, we will use eye contact and facial expressions to give feedback of our group presenter. It is important to let them know if we understand or not. Then “Nonverbal messages are usually more believable than verbal messages” (151). The emotion is the thing that people always cannot hide so we can know more information nonverbally. Therefore, after I learn this important lesson, I found more ways to understand and communicate with my

    Read More

  • Nonverbal Communication and Cultural Differences

    1651 Words  | 4 Pages

    Culture has always been a driving force in understanding nonverbal communication as nonverbal communication is highly influenced by the cultural differences as the context of the culture defines how the communication/message is interpreted in certain cultures. “Communication occurs within a context but the context is particularly important in relation to non-verbal communication” (Tyler, Kossen & Ryan, 2005, p.185). Culture defines the messages perceived by the non-verbal communication. For instance, proxemics. “Proxemics refers to the spatial relationship or how we use space.” (Tyler, Kossen & Ryan, 2005, p.190) Culture plays an important role in defining the use of one’s personal space in the nonverbal communication process. For example, in North America people usually remain at a distance from one another when talking while Latin American people stay very close when talking. (Wood, 2009). This defines the use of the privacy or personal space in two different cultures. H...

    Read More

  • The Importance of Effective Communication

    628 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...tention to how people react to one another’s comments, guessing the relationship between the people and guessing how each feels about what is being said. This can inform individuals to better understand the use of body language when conversing with other people. It is also important to take into account individual differences. Different cultures use different non-verbal gestures. Frequently, when observing these gestures alone the observer can get the wrong impression, for instance, the listener can subconsciously cross their arms. This does not mean that they are bored or annoyed with the speaker; it can be a gesture that they are comfortable with. Viewing gestures as a whole will prevent these misunderstandings. Non-verbal gestures are not only physical, for example; the tone of voice addressing a child will be different from the way it is addressed to an adult.

    Read More

More about Space Bubble

Open Document