(extra credit) week 4 : Project one _ Interaction Observation (Everyday Life class) -- LAOXINYI

             - Self-presentation in the interaction between couples in a cafe -

Observation time: 2:30 PM on March 27, 2025

Observation location: Starbucks Cafe near the campus

Participants:  A young couple in the ordering area

1）Summarize

My recent sociology assignment focuses on observing social interactions in public spaces, with a particular emphasis on how individuals behave in everyday situations. This exercise, named Interactive Observation Assignment, allowed me to apply Owen Goffman's theory of self-expression to real life. Specifically, I chose to observe the interaction between a young couple at a local cafe. In this blog post, I will share what I did, what I learned from this assignment, and how it helped me gain a deeper understanding of social behavior and character performance.

2) What Did I Do?

One Sunday afternoon, I went to a cafe near the campus to observe a young couple interacting in public. I chose a comfortable seat near the dining counter where I could clearly see the couple's behavior. From the moment they walked in, I closely watched how they played their social roles and showcased themselves, especially in a space where social norms and expectations could be subtly observed.

This couple's interaction was very active. At the ordering counter, I noticed the girl's hesitation and asked her partner for confirmation, asking which drink he would like. On the other hand, the boy appeared confident and decisive in his choices. This preliminary observation reveals the subtle yet powerful influence of gender roles on their behavior, with boys dominating decision-making.

When they sat down after getting the coffee, the atmosphere changed. The girl became more relaxed, linking arms with the boy, as if they had entered a more intimate and natural state of communication. When they share relaxed and private moments, their formal roles as decision-makers and supporters become softer.

3) What Did I Learn?

Through this observation, I was able to apply Goffman's theory of self-expression in real-world settings. One of the key concepts I explored is the concept of Frontstage and Backstage behavior. In the cafe, the couple's interaction at the ordering counter represents the "frontstage," where they play specific roles for the public. For example, the boy is dominant and decisive, while the girl seeks his confirmation, highlighting traditional gender dynamics.

However, once they moved to the table, they entered the "backstage," no longer feeling the need for a performance. Their behavior has become more relaxed, natural, and intimate, showcasing how social performance changes according to the environment and level of privacy.

Another concept I learned is impression management. For example, the female server wore a "professional mask" throughout the interaction to ensure that the couple felt respected and comfortable, maintaining a neutral tone and consistent smile. When this couple hesitates, she uses subtle body language, such as drawing circles on a table, to indicate that managing impressions is not just about facial expressions; it also involves regulating emotional responses in social settings.

This assignment also taught me how individuals can collaborate in team collusion. Although this couple seems to play different roles in decision-making, they work together to maintain a certain level of vitality. The boy takes control, while the girl reinforces her role, demonstrating teamwork even in everyday situations.

4) Was It Fun?

Yes! This assignment is both insightful and enjoyable. It allows me to observe social dynamics in real life in a relaxed setting and gives me the opportunity to reflect on how Goffman's theory works in practice. Watching this couple's interaction in a cafe is like watching a mini-series with unique roles, performances, and behavioral changes. It made me more aware of everyday social interactions, even simple exchanges like ordering coffee, which can involve complex self-expression and impression management.

Furthermore, this assignment challenges me to critically consider how social norms influence behavior and how people play different roles based on their environment. The most captivating part is seeing how this couple transitioned from public performances to private, more natural interactions. It highlights how much our behavior changes according to our social background.