Week10(extra credit)- Public Space Observation-YUJIE 여결

During this two-week observation of the school cafeteria, I documented students' behavioral patterns during queueing and dining, including seat selection, queue order, interaction frequency, and stay duration, and compiled the data into tables for preliminary analysis. Through this process, I understood how spatial layout subtly influences people's behavioral choices, particularly their preferences for privacy and social distance. At the same time, I applied Goffman's "front-office behavior" theory to gain a deeper understanding of how people spontaneously maintain order and etiquette in public spaces. The entire observation process was very interesting, allowing me to see the presence of social laws in everyday scenarios and making theoretical knowledge more concrete and vivid.

Summary

This public space observation of the school cafeteria shows that students exhibit high levels of order and social regularity during meals. They tend to travel in groups, choosing familiar people to share tables, and also demonstrating sensitivity to personal space. Individuals dining alone often opt for marginal or quiet spots. Even within shared spaces, a certain distance is generally maintained, reflecting a demand for "semi-privacy." During the queueing process, there is a clear order with few instances of cutting in line, indicating that students generally have a strong awareness of public rules.

From a theoretical perspective, these actions corroborate William H. Whyte's views on the influence of space on behavior and Goffman's theory of "interactive order." The physical design of space and the rhythm of time subtly guide behavioral patterns. Students exhibit standardized "front desk behavior" in public spaces, such as adhering to order and maintaining distance, indicating that behaviors in these spaces are not only individual choices but also reflections of societal norms.

Interesting points 

During this observation of the school cafeteria, the most interesting aspect was the "semi-privacy" behavior exhibited by students in public spaces. Despite being in an open and shared environment, many students still prefer seats in corners, against walls, or at a distance from others, especially those dining alone. This "sitting open" phenomenon indicates that people are seeking certain psychological boundaries even within groups, showing sensitivity to personal space and active regulation of social stimuli. This subtle yet widespread behavior reveals implicit social rules in public spaces.

Another interesting phenomenon is that students spontaneously form highly ordered interaction patterns without external coercion. For example, there is little queue interruption, quick departure after meals to make way for others, and dining behavior demonstrates high efficiency and self-discipline. This public behavior not only reflects the internalization of social norms but also embodies what Goffman refers to as "front-stage behavior," where people actively maintain order and politeness in public settings. This seemingly everyday order is actually crucial for maintaining the functionality of public spaces.