Norms/Folkway Homework
Although everyday norms underlie all we do, they remain largely
unnoticed and unquestioned. The best proof of the existence of
norms/folkways lies in our reactions when they are violated.
For this assignment choose one of the following and try to break it.
Make a purchase in a
department store, and offer to pay more than the listed price (it
must be more not less). Try to convince the clerk that you think
the merchandise is worth the price you are offering. Do
not choose a
store that is busy and dont inconvenience a manager.
Send a close family member
or friend a birthday card months before or after their actual
birthday
Keep your distance from a
friend or family member. Do
not push this
until your subject is upset.
When someone says to you
see you later ask probing questions i.e. when? Do we have
some plans to get together later? Let me look at my Diary etc
It is important that this behaviour is not flagrantly
bizarre, nor should it break the law. Also do not
do anything that will seriously inconvenience or humiliate someone,
or put you or your subject in danger of any kind. Treat your
violation as perfectly normal. Do not push it to the end of
endurance for your subject; we dont want to put anyones blood
pressure up. You must give the impression that what you are doing is
perfectly acceptable and ordinary.
IMPORTANT please pay attention to the following instructions
As you conduct this exercise, record your own feelings and reactions
as well as those of your subjects, e.g. eye contact, reddening of the
face, stance, body language etc. What were peoples initial
reactions? Was it uncomfortable for you? If so why do you think it
was? Debrief your subject after the exercise and record their
responses. Ask if they were trying to come up with an explanation
for your behaviour or the strange circumstances. Did they attempt to
restore order to the situation to normalize the situation? Did
they feel uncomfortable, inconveniences, harassed? Did they think
you were, insane, rude or merely a nuisance.
Remember that I am more interested in your reaction and your
subjects reaction than the experiment itself so concentrate on
this in your answer, describing the experiment itself only
briefly.
Your TYPE written report should be approximately 2 pages long, double
spaced, font size 11 calibri, and MLA formatting. 1000 word count also hypothesis if..then..
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