W4.1 March 24 (Mon) - Kim Gyuri 김규리

Observing Everyday Performances in the Park: What I Learned from Watching People

What I Did

I chose to do my observation in an urban park walkway. It’s a space where all kinds of people come and go—walking, talking, playing, relaxing—so it felt like the perfect stage for Goffman’s “social performance.” I sat quietly and watched how people interacted, what roles they played, and how they adjusted their behavior depending on who they were with and where they were.

Here are a few scenes I observed:

• Two middle-aged women walking and chatting, clearly close friends and fitness buddies.

• A university student sitting alone, studying silently on a bench, totally focused but still aware of their surroundings.

• Parents helping their kids at the playground, being gentle and encouraging while also exchanging polite small talk with other parents.

• A young couple walking their dog, carefully watching their pet and speaking softly so as not to disturb others.

What I Learned

This observation gave me more than just a chance to apply a theory—it helped me reflect on how we all live within a quiet, shared system of expectations.

First, I realized how deeply social norms are embedded in our behavior. No one in the park had a rulebook, but everyone seemed to instinctively know how to act. Whether it was parents keeping their voices down or a student staying focused and unobtrusive, these unspoken rules were followed almost effortlessly. That made me think: Are we always aware of how much we’re shaped by our surroundings?

Second, I saw how people shift roles depending on their audience. The same parent who laughed freely with their child became more composed when speaking with another adult. It reminded me that our identities aren’t fixed—we’re constantly adjusting based on context. That flexibility is part of what helps social life run smoothly, but it also made me think about how we sometimes hide parts of ourselves in public settings.

Another thing I noticed was how interaction doesn’t always need words. The student I observed didn’t speak to anyone, but their presence communicated something—respect, awareness, maybe even quiet solidarity. It was a good reminder that social behavior includes body language, tone, timing, and space.

Lastly, I learned how observation itself can be powerful. Just by watching people for a short time, I saw patterns I usually overlook. It made me more sensitive to social cues in my daily life, and I think I’ll carry that awareness with me even after this assignment.

Was It Fun?

Surprisingly, yes. At first, I thought just observing might be boring—but I actually really enjoyed it. It made me more aware of the small social details we usually ignore. It also made me realize that we’re all kind of actors in our daily lives, playing different roles depending on where we are and who we’re with.