Student 333
Penology
James Burnett
Decoding Norms paper
The first situation that I observed was my unfamiliar situation; I observed a funeral
ceremony, the wake and the burial.
3-1.
Unfamiliar social situation, formal norms.
a. I would expect for the family to be present at the funeral.
-
I think that this is a formal norm because the family should be there to pay
their respects to the fallen loved one.
-
Deviance; I think that if some family members did not come that they
would be seen as out casts. –If the whole family did not come they would
not be respected as they did not show respect for their fallen loved one. – I
hope that if someone did not make it to the funeral that they would feel
very bad and it would get to them.
b. I would expect for everyone to be wearing the color black.
-People wear black because it is a gloomy color, it represents the mood of the
people present.
-Deviances; if someone came in some bright colors it would be taken as they
are not sad by the passing of the loved one. – if someone wore bright colors it
might upset someone and there could be a confrontation.
c.
I would expect for everyone to come through the line, were they hug the
immediate family
and then move on to paying their respects to the one
who passed.
-This comes from years past were we pay our respects to those who have lost
their life. It is to honor their life and for remembrance.
-Deviances; I do not think that there would be any deviance interactions if
someone did not come through the line and hug the family and then pray by
the casket; because when my grandmother passed away I was not able to get
close to her casket, I broke down and was so scared as I looked at my
grandmother lying there.
d.
I think that for every funeral there is always a wake service and I would
expect this.
-I think this came from the idea of paying your respects to the one who
passed, it gives everyone a chance to say good bye to the person and the
body of the person who passed.
-Deviances; family and friends of the one who passed would feel that the
proper respects were not paid to the one who died if there was not
ceremonies. There may be arguments, there could possibly be a fight as
this is a heated subject. Another thing that could happen would be the one
would passed would not rest in peace as no one said their good bye to
them.
e. I would expect for the body to be present at the wake and the funeral
ceremonies.
-This may be a stupid one but it’s obvious that the body of the person who
passed is supposed to be there at the ceremonies.
-Deviances; if the body was not present then a lot of these other informal
norms would in retrospect be violated and that could cause all types of
conflicts.
f. I think that wearing the colors black is a formal and informal norm.
-I think that it is this way because it shows a sad side a gloomy side. I
think that this is a law because it shows the mood of the event, we are not
all happy and joyous.
g.
At the funeral service I would expect for everyone to be silent and pray
together as we remember the fallen and cherish the memories we had with them
and as we accept their passing and hope to see them again
-Deviances; if everyone was not silent then it would be disrespecting all those
present and the one who passed so those closest would probably be very upset.
Here are the informal norms:
a. I would expect people at the funeral ceremony to be crying, and to be very
tense.
-I think the function of this norm is because a funeral is a very sad time that
there is nothing to be happy about when someone passes away. I don’t think it
is necessary to explain where these norms came from because it is obvious
why people cry at a funeral.
-Deviances; if people were not sad and crying I would think that they did not
care very much about the person who died, and if it were my family member
who passed I would probably say something to the person who was acting
different then the norm of the occasion.
b. I would expect everyone that is present to try and comfort and support those
that were closest to the loved one.
-I believe that this comes from our human nature to help and support people
during their time of need. I think that we do this because we need people to
support us when things like this happen to us, we see others pain and we try
and relieve them of what we can.
-Deviances; if people were not trying to comfort the ones closest to the one
who passed then I don’t think that they could handle the situation being there
by the body as they are supposed to be letting go.
c. I would expect for no one to be laughing and joking around it would be a very
sad time.
-I think this arrives out of respect for the one who passed and their family. I
think this is the way it is so the family does not feel that they or their loved
one has been disrespected.
-Deviances; if people were laughing and joking around then there would be a
lot of people getting upset at them for disrespecting the person who died.
d. I would expect for it to be generally quiet, with no outside conversations about
random stuff.
-This is also for respect of the one who passed and their family, it is so that
everyone is appropriate given the situation, also it is to act according to others
feelings.
-Deviances; a funeral is to pay your respects to the one who died and to
support the family, if you are there laughing and joking then it would be very
disrespectful as everyone else would be very sad and crying.
e. I would expect for everyone present to be very formal and be very respectful;
cause no disrupting seen.
-This is also out of respect for the one who passed and their family. It is this
way so you do not upset the family any more than they are already from
losing their family member.
f. I would expect to see people holding and comforting one another.
-I think it is this way because we all need a shoulder to cry on during tough
times.
-Deviances; if no one was comforting those closest to the one who died then I
don’t think that they can handle the situation, I think that they would break
down beyond a stable state.
-Deviances; everyone would be very sad and be very distraught if they had to
deal with the struggle and pain of losing a loved one by themselves.
g. I would expect for there to be flowers at the wake.
-I think this originated out of respect for the deceased, I think it serves a
function of trying to brighten up the mood and show people that things will
get better.
-Deviances; I don’t think that there would be any deviance if there were no
flowers at the funeral but it is a sign of respect and also it shows that things
live and die and that we must move on.
h. I would expect to see flowers at the burial ceremony.
-I think this came from trying to show appreciation for the one who passed. It
also serves a function of trying to brighten up the mood.
-Deviances; again flowers is for respect for the fallen, it is also to try and
brighten the mood.
i. I would expect for there to be some type of church service before the burial.
-I am not sure where this came from but I know that every funeral I have been
to I have always attended a church service.
-Deviances; there would be no deviances that could arise, but for the most part
there will be a church service before a funeral.
j. I would expect to see a lot of pictures of the one who passed.
-This came from trying to show respect for the one who passed also for others
to remember the good times they had with the one who passed.
-Deviances; one thing that could possibly happen is someone could bump into
the pictures and this would cause a scene and people would take this as very
disrespectful as you almost knocked down the memories of the one who died.
The second situation that I observed was in the library on the main floor.
1. Familiar social situation, formal norms.
a. In a library I would expect everyone to be respectfully quiet, meaning no loud
conversations, no playing music that others can here and things like that.
-The function of this is to show respect for other who are working on school
work and projects. It is also to be courteous as we want them to be courteous
to us.
-Deviances; I think that if someone was talking to loud that others would say
something to them about it, they would be seen as deviant. –I think that the
library staff would come up and say something.
b.
In the library I would expect to see people working together on projects along
with working alone.
-This function comes from the general use of a library, which is to study and
do homework. This is why a library was created.
-Deviances; there are no deviances for if people are not working together in
the library.
c. I would expect for no one to be using cell phones while in the library just so
that they are respectful to others right for the area to be quiet so that they can
focus.
-This function comes from the demand of the library staff who tells you to be
quiet so others can concentrate. It was created to cut down on the distractions
that take place in a library. I also think it is to help people stay focused when
their in the library, it may cut down on them fidgeting with their phone
bothering themselves and others.
-Deviances; if someone was using a cell phone then I think there would be a
lot of people feeling disrespected because they were disturbed. –everyone
would be shushing them which would be a even bigger disturbance. –also I
think that people can take things like this pretty serious and they probably
would confront the person on the phone and this interaction could go in
different directions.
d. I would expect for the library staff to interact with the kids at the library,
helping them with projects and library equipment.
-I think this comes from the idea that students need help and resources, and
that is the function that a librarian provides, they will help you with research
and or using things like scanners.
- Deviances; if the library staff was unwilling to help the students then there
would be a lot of confusion. –also there would not be a good system for
checking out the books so there would be a lot of disorganization. –also if
there was no interaction between the students and the staff then the students
would not be able to complete their work as they need finding books,
researching different topics and students would have problems using the
library equipment.
e. I would expect for no one to be eating and or drinking near computers.
-this is to protect all of the computers and electronics that are in the library,
along with the books. It is also to keep the library clean.
-Deviances; Someone could end up spilling on the equipment and then they
may have to pay for it. – someone may spill on someone else’s belongings and
then there would be a confrontation.
f. I would expect to not see people/ couples holding and kissing each other in the
library.
-This comes from respect for others and the need for those types of actions to
be done in private. I think that this is a general understanding that most people
have and agree that kissing and hugging has no place in the library.
-Deviances; if a couple was holding and kissing each other constantly it would
be distracting to everyone around them. – also there maybe students kids
present and then the parents would not appreciate the couple kissing in front
of their kid. –I think that it is inappropriate for the library setting.
These are the informal norms:
a. I would expect to see books in the library.
-This comes come out of the general nature of a library. There will be books
to read for casual and for classes.
-Deviances; if there was no books in the library then there would be a
problems as there would be no need for a library and then also no one would
come to the library and then it would be closed down.
b. I would expect to see computers in the library.
-This also comes out of the general function for a library and it is obvious that
there will be computers in the library.
-Deviances; computers are a key part of the library setting and without them
then it would definitely be harder to research. Also it would be difficult to
type papers as they would take a lot longer as you would have to have
someone proof it.
c. I would expect to see students in the library.
-This comes from the general use of the library, there is no reason for a library
if there are no people slash students to use it.
-Deviances; if students did not use the library then it would be shut down as
there would be no use for the library.
d. I would expect to see library staff in the library.
-There are a lot of things that are confusing about the library, and there are a
lot of technologies that are offered but may need some explaining on how to
use; so we need library staff in order to learn how to use certain things. Also a
library cannot function well without workers, there has to be someone to put
the books back, check books out to people.
-Deviances; if there was no staff in the library then the library would not run
properly, there would be no one to put the books back away and or check
them out to the students.
e. I would expect to see newspapers in the library.
-Often times a library will have newspapers; papers from past days and or
even years and papers from the current days and or week.
-Deviances; there is really no deviance for if there are no newspapers in the
library except that someone would not be able to use them for any type of
research.
f. I would expect to see people studying in the library.
-I think that people would be studying in the library, it is one of the biggest
uses of the library; to get away to a quiet place and study or read.
-Deviances; if no one was studying in the library and they were only checking
the internet and different sites then I think that people would be failing there
classes.
g. I would expect to see people on the computers using MySpace and face book.
-Given my experience here on campus I would say that it is very likely that
when going to the library you would see students on the computers checking
out their MySpace and face book.
-Deviances; there is no deviance for if there is no one checking MySpace and
or face book.
I was at my cousins funeral and I was trying to fight the emotions of losing a
cousin. The initial things that I noticed are that obviously a lot of people were crying and
very upset. I also noticed that there was a lot of people in a line waiting to give the
parents and siblings a hug before they went up by the casket. I noticed my uncle, aunt and
cousin they were so destroyed by this, it hurt for me to see them in so much pain. I also
noticed how my immediate family stuck around each other while people not in the family
kind of stayed by each other. For the most part our family stayed towards the pictures of
my cousin that were set up on different tables while everyone else kind of hovered in the
middle and then left. One thing is that no one in the family had to wait in the long line
that had developed for people to come in and pay their respects. Like you would imagine
the emotions of the funeral were very sad, everyone was crying.
Formal norms, the environment of the funeral is clearly linked to the norms. If
someone passes away it is a very sad time, at sad events people cry. I think that behavior
norms play a big role at a funeral, not everyone cries at first but I think that people feel
that they have to fit in with the situation. The reason I say this is because I seen someone
at the funeral and they looked fine but then when someone came over to them to be
comforted they began to cry.
As I sat in the library I initially realized that everything seemed normal. Students
were present, they were reading, studying they were also using the internet. The students
were spread out throughout the whole library, there was no students clumped up in one
area. The environment of the library was laid back, people were working at their own
pace and doing their own thing.
The library environment promoted the norms because it is acknowledged that you
need to be quiet and respectful to others. Also the staff and the signs help promote and
keep the norms of the library as they state were you can use a cell phone and where you
may not use a phone. Also signs tell you that you are not supposed to have drinks and
food by the computers, and if staff were to see you eating by the computers they would
come up to and tell you to move away from the computers.
Individual needs and interests are in a constant battle, I feel that obviously we all
put ourselves first. In doing this we nonchalantly cross over other needs and or interests.
What I meen by this is if we get a phone call while we are in the library depending on
who is calling we probably will answer the phone. Despite the fact that it maybe a
distraction or a disterbance to others. So we put our needs and or want infront of
everyone elses. This is could cause a scene and the person answering the phone may not
understand why other are mad at them but on the other had it could be a very important
phone call that they had to answer. So in that sence the people around the person
answering the phone are putting their needs and wants before the person with the phone.
So it all dependes on the definition and the perspective that the person is coming from.
Example of Group Norms:
Decoding Norms
By Joe Student
Decoding Norms Worksheets
Worksheet 1: Decoding Practice Exercise
Three Social Situations:
A Linear Classroom
A Traditional Christian Wedding
The Grocery Store
a) Formal Norms

A Linear Classroom
o Students raise hands to speak.
o Students do not speak while the teacher is speaking.
o Students are in their seats at the designated time for class to begin.
o
o
o
o
Students remain seated while class is in session.
Students are graded on their performance on assignments and coursework.
Teacher lectures from the front of the room.
Teacher leads discussion among students.
Function and Origins: Each of these formal norms is in place to best support a
proper linear learning environment. These norms serve as one way order can be
maintained within a classroom. They originated from traditional teaching
methods and continued to be used in classrooms because they were seemingly
effective at keeping things peaceful and orderly.

A Traditional Christian Wedding
o A priest/minister facilitates the ceremony.
o Bridesmaids and Groomsmen serve as witnesses by standing at the altar
during the ceremony.
o The Bride is walked down the aisle by her father.
o A photographer facilitates the picture taking process.
o The Bride and Groom say “I do” and recite their vows to one another.
o Invited guests fill the seats and watch.
o The priest/minister grants permission for the bride and groom to kiss.
o The couple is presented as man and wife and walk out together.
Function and Origins: The function of these formal norms all combine to create
the traditional marriage ceremony. Some of them, such as the photographer
facilitating the pictures and invited guests filling the seats, are in place to keep the
ceremony organized. Others, like the priest/minister presiding over the ceremony
serve a legal and religious function, as well as maintaining organization. Many of
them originate from biblical teaching, while others have been birthed out of
tradition.

The Grocery Store
o All FDA regulations are maintained.
o Food storage areas are kept clean and disinfected at all times.
o Customers select only the food they intend to purchase.
o Cashiers are trained to operate cash registers and take payment from
customers.
o Customers pay for everything they wish to purchase.
o Carts are used to carry groceries while customers continue to shop.
o Workers are available to direct customers to the aisles they need.
Function and Origins: These formal norms provide for orderly and convenient
shopping experiences for both the customers and the workers. The organization
of the food serves a purpose by allowing customers to know where to look for the
things they need and find them easily. The payment for food serves the function
of fulfilling the purpose of the grocery store as well as adhering to the law. I am
sure their origin comes from early markets and trade organizations, and they all
evolved as our economy continued to evolve.
b) Deviant Behavior

A Linear Classroom
o Students talking out of turn or chatting and disrupting class as a result.
 Individual Needs/Interests: A student who acts out in this way may
be struggling to maintain interest in the topic or is not challenged
by the material. It may be possible that the linear classroom is not
conducive to their learning style, or they may be struggling with
some kind of learning disorder.
o A student may fall asleep during lecture.
 Individual Needs/Interests: This could be the result of a lack of
sleep at home, which may be stemming from a disruptive home
life. The student also might be lacking interest in the classroom, or
has difficulty maintaining focus for long periods of time.
o Students are sometimes late to class.
 Individual Needs/Interests: A student who is not on time for class
might not be getting an adequate amount of time between classes
to get from one place to another. It is also possible that this
student has a poor perception of time and is not adequately
managing time before class.

A Traditional Christian Wedding
o Someone may arrive at the wedding in an intoxicated state.
 Individual Needs/Interests: Though for most people this may seem
like a wedding horror story, for an alcoholic or someone dealing
with anxiety this might just be another way to cope with a stressful
situation. This person might be uncomfortable in crowds, unhappy
with a person’s decision to marry, or simply addicted to alcohol.
o Someone who is not invited could “crash” the wedding ceremony.
 Individual Needs/Interests: A person may choose to “crash” a
wedding if they feel hurt or ignored. Also, they may just be
interested in the free food, drinks, and social platform. They may
not be considerate of the wishes of others, or they are just not
socially aware of the formal norm.
o The bride or groom could stop the vows and walk out on the ceremony.
 Individual Needs/Interests: This could be the result of a person’s
second thoughts on the commitment, or it may just be their cold
feet getting the best of them. They may truly wish to be married to
the person, but are too nervous to go through with the big day
because of all the hype and attention.

A Grocery Store
o Theft. People might leave the store without paying for their goods.
 Individual Needs/Interests: Some people do this for a high, and
others do this because they can find no other way to meet their
needs. There are also people that do this in order to gain
acceptance with a group of friends or simply to take revenge on a
past employer or worker.
o Customers might use the carts as race cars and push each other through the
store.
 Individual Needs/Interests: People engaging in this type of deviant
behavior are usually in need of some form of entertainment.
Young people do this to get away from their parents and have a
little deviant fun without causing too much trouble.
o People might disrupt the organization of the goods by pushing things off
of shelves and onto the floor or moving items into the wrong spots.
 Individual Needs/Interests: This sometimes happens if there is a
shortage of a good that is in high demand. Otherwise, customers
might move merchandise because they realize they do not want
something after they have walked away from its designated place
on the shelf.
c) Informal Norms

A Linear Classroom
o Students get to know one another.
o Students help each other with assignments and coursework.
o Students are praised for their positive contributions in class.
o Leaders emerge within the classroom.
o Students ask questions when they do not clearly understand.
o Students leave the room when they need to use the restrooms.
o Students laugh when the teacher makes a joke.
o The teacher becomes familiar with each individual student.
o The teacher provides guidance over students work and discussions.
o The teacher turns off the light during movies/overhead presentations.
o The teacher uses an ink pen to make corrections on papers.
o The teacher keeps a record of each student’s classroom behavior and
performance.
Function and Origins: These informal norms work together to better equip a
classroom with organization and orderly habits. They also help by allowing
students to know what to expect when they enter the classroom. They most likely
originated out of habits and traditions, but also out of human nature.

A Traditional Christian Wedding
o The Bride and Groom smile as they enter and exit.
o The Bride and Groom have chosen music to be played or performed
during the ceremony.
o Bridesmaids and Groomsman wear coordinating colors.
o The mothers of the bride and groom have coordinated their clothing with
the bridal party.
o People have been chosen to fill additional roles throughout the ceremony,
such as ring bearer and flower girl.
o The bride’s mother is the first to stand as the bride enters.
o Guests take pictures throughout the ceremony.
o The bride carries a bouquet of flowers with her down the aisle.
o The guests of the bride and the groom sit on opposite sides of the church.
o Scripture is selected and read during the service.
o The guests flow out to a receiving line, where the newlyweds greet them
as man and wife.
o A reception follows, where food is served and music is played.
Function and Origins: Many of these simply serve the function of suiting the
wishes of the bride and groom by making their wedding unique from other
weddings. By selecting colors, roles to fill, and celebration ideas, a couple is able
to make the day into something of their own that best represents them. They may
rise out of family traditions or simply the preferences of the couple.

A Grocery Store
o Food is organized into the aisles by type and other criteria.
o Frozen foods are segregated into freezer aisles.
o All dairy products are located together.
o All fresh produce is located together.
o Produce is sprayed intermittently to maintain moisture.
o Customers shop in an orderly fashion, without bumping or pushing
others.
o Workers greet customers.
o Carts are placed in the designated places after use.
o People with a low number of items use the express lanes.
o Food is not eaten until paid for by the customer.
o Restrooms are made available for customers’ use.
o Entrances and Exits are labels as such to avoid any mishaps.
Function and Origins: These norms serve the function of maintaining satisfaction
among the customers and employees and also providing the most productive form
of business. They most likely originate from years of trial and error, as well as
consumer criticism, feedback, and requests.
d) Deviant Behavior

A Linear Classroom
o One deviant behavior that may rise out of these informal norms is a
teacher’s failure to meet the individual needs of their students by not
getting to know each student better. This may not be realistic for every
teacher, especially if they are dealing with a large classroom. They
might need more time in order to fulfill their students’ needs, or a smaller
classroom to allow them to better do their job.

A Traditional Christian Wedding
o A deviant behavior that could arise in this situation may be a couple
deciding not to serve food at their reception. Though it is their
celebration and they can choose not to do this based on affordability or
personal preference, guests may see this choice as deviant.

A Grocery Store
o Customers sometimes are deviant by eating or drinking from an item that
is not yet paid for. They may be hungry or thirsty and have full
intentions of paying for the item, but can be viewed as deviant for not
being patient and waiting to consume the good until after it has been paid
for.
Worksheet 2: Field Analysis: Familiar Social Environment



Field Location: Hilltop Hy-Vee, Mankato
Time Begun: Approximately 10:00 P.M.
Time Ended: Approximately 11:30 P.M.
Initial Thoughts and Feelings:
When I first arrived, I felt as though I was going to have a boring time with this
observation. Growing up, I spent plenty of time in grocery stores with my mother, and I
also worked in a small grocery store during high school. Therefore, I was entering into a
very familiar environment. I decided to do some grocery shopping while I was there, so
that I would not feel odd doing what I was doing. Taking notes on my time there allowed
me to look as though I was making a list of some sort, which fits in with the informal
norms of a grocery store.
Spatial Arrangements:
The store is mostly square, with check-out lines located near the front entrances
and exits. Near one set of doors there is a small Starbucks station. On one side of the
store there is fresh produce, the deli, bakery goods, and the health food section. The far
back of the store contains the meat counter as well as the coolers with packaged meet.
The back corner contains the dairy section which includes a center island of deli cheeses
and dips. The opposite side of the store is where the aisles with non-food items are
located. The front corner of the store contains the floral shop, and the opposite corner has
a sitting area for the deli. In very front of the store is the customer service area, video
rental, and one-hour photo counter. In the center of the store there are many aisles with
different types of goods, including the bread aisle, frozen foods, canned goods, snacks,
and many others.
Overall Emotional Tone:
The emotional tone of the store was very calm. At that time in the evening, there
are few people shopping, and the overnight crew had already begun restocking the
shelves. There were also cleaning people pushing around a very loud machine that
washed the floors. While this was happening, there was a little more energy as a result of
the noise. One group of customers seemed to be in their teens, and I could tell they were
only there to grab some snacks and get out of there. They carried a more upbeat
emotional tone, and were even somewhat obnoxious at some points. The cashiers
seemed to be in some kind of bored state, two were joking around with each other, while
the one that checked me out was straight faced and quiet.
Formal Norms:
The formal norms I observed were quite typical of the grocery store environment.
As I mentioned, someone was cleaning the floors while I was there. This follows the
formal norm of maintaining health regulations. This act is clearly part of the daily
routine for the store, and therefore customers did not react in any unexpected ways.
Another formal norm I participated in was that of paying for the goods I wished to
purchase. This was encouraged by the accurate price labels on the goods, the available
ads placed near the cart racks, as well as the many check-out lines with waiting cashiers.
I also participated in a formal norm by using a cart to carry my groceries and pushing it in
an orderly fashion throughout the store. Other customers did the same.
Informal Norms:
I observed several informal norms throughout my time at Hy-Vee. One of these
was the greeting I received from the clerk as I approached the check-out lane. He
acknowledged my presence and asked if I had found everything okay. I then responded
by saying, “Yes” and he proceeded in checking me out. Another informal norm that took
place was when I was in the same aisle as another person, going opposite directions, each
of us moved over to the right side of the aisle to let the other pass by. Someone also said
“excuse me” before they reached by me to grab a can off of the shelf. Another informal
norm that I also noticed was a child being placed in his mother’s cart while she shopped.
This is encouraged by the availability of carts with proper seats for children to sit in.
Nonverbal Behavior:
The only nonverbal behavior I observed came from the woman with the child.
She smiled as she passed by me and I smiled in reaction. I believe this is simply a way of
showing courtesy to other people and being friendly. Public places where you encounter
people you do not know often encourage nonverbal acts such as smiling to be polite to
one another. I think her smile was also communicating the words “excuse me” because
she had to make her way around me in order to move forward and I moved out of her
way in response to her.
Verbal Interaction:
One of the teens in the group was using her cell phone in the store, which is
something that may have been considered deviant at one point. She appeared to be
having a comedic discussion with a friend of some sort, because she continually laughed.
Although she was with a group of friends already, she seemed more content to be
chatting on her cell phone than interacting with the ones she was with. There was also
verbal interaction between the cashier and me, though it was very brief. Also, the mother
spoke to her small child quietly, but I could not hear what she was saying and her child
did not seem old enough to talk back to her.
Observable Deviance:
One form of observable deviance, to me, was that the mother had her child out at
nearly 11:00 at night. It seems to be an informal norm for children to be to bed at
reasonable hours, and I took note that this child seemed too young to be out at that hour.
Another form of observable deviance came from the group of teens. They were
somewhat rowdy at times and I was able to hear their voices from several aisles away. It
is an informal norm to be polite and non-disruptive in public places like grocery stores,
and these teens were oblivious to their slight deviance. I also witnessed a couple that
groped at each other while I was entering a new aisle. Although they assumed no one
was around to witness there action, I stumbled upon it.
Worksheet 3: Field Analysis: Unfamiliar Social Environment
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Field Location: A Wedding, Northwestern College Chapel
Time Begun: Approximately 11:00 A.M.
Time Ended: Approximately 2:00 P.M.
Initial Thoughts and Feelings:
I have been to very few weddings in my life and I still never know what to expect
when I am attending one. Each couple is different and each ceremony has something
unique about it. This wedding was particularly special because it was a very close friend
of mine getting married to a great guy.
Spatial Arrangements:
The wedding and reception took place in the chapel at Northwestern in the cities.
Though somewhat small, the space is absolutely beautiful. There is a foyer in front of the
chapel entrance with a large window and a sitting area. Inside the chapel, there are pillars
lining up along each side with the pews. At the front of the church the wall is rounded
behind the pulpit and the walls are marble with detail carved of pictures and patterns. To
the left of the pulpit is the grand piano where the wedding musicians were set up.
Candles were standing next to the pews to decorate the aisle, and flowers were at the
front of the pulpit to decorate the altar.
Overall Emotional Tone:
The entire wedding was filled with excitement and happiness. Though I expected
to sense nervousness and stress, the bride and groom were calmer than ever and ready to
finish the day. Family and friends were very talkative, and seemingly enjoying every
step of the day. The weather outside was getting fierce, but the guests continued on with
delight. It was clear that this wedding was heavily supported by the many people that
loved the bride and groom.
Formal Norms:
I recognized many formal norms being carried through in this wedding. The bride
was walked down the aisle by her father and then handed off to the groom at the very
beginning. A minister facilitated the ceremony. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen served as
witnesses by standing at the altar during the ceremony. A photographer facilitated the
picture taking process. The Bride and Groom said “I do” and recited their vows to one
another. Only invited guests were in attendance. The minister granted permission for the
bride and groom to kiss. The couple was presented as man and wife and walk out
together. Each of these formal norms was encouraged by the bride and grooms
determination to be wed in a traditional manner. Also, the help and contributions of
friends and family made each formal norm a possibility during their ceremony.
Informal Norms:
Some informal norms they followed for their wedding included the selection of
their own music for different points in the ceremony. The bride and groom also chose
scripture to be read and the bride’s father stepped up to the podium to read it. The bride
and bridesmaids carried bouquets of flowers throughout the wedding, in accordance with
another informal norm. When the ceremony was over, they had a very traditional
receiving line outside of the chapel to hug and exchange greetings with their guests as
man and wife. Shortly thereafter, a reception was held in a large room near the chapel
where dinner was served and speeches were shared.
Nonverbal Behavior:
It was very easy to observe nonverbal behavior in this environment, though I felt
a little obtrusive looking too far into it at times. There were many looks and glances
exchanged between the bride and groom, as well as between the bride and the people she
loved. You could tell that the exchanged looks meant much more than any outsider could
read into. On such a meaningful day it seems like sometimes words just fail you and all
you have is a look in your eye to share with someone special.
Verbal Interaction:
There was great deal of verbal interaction present during this day. Some of it just
consisted of people asking favors of others to make sure everything was in place and
ready to go for the big event. Others were simply an exchange of kind words, or “good
lucks” before the ceremony began. It was also clear that some people at the ceremony
had not been in contact for a while, because there were many big smiles and greetings
between different guests. At the reception, there was a lot of small talk taking place at
each table, as well as some entertaining banter coming out of the speeches and other
conversations over the microphone.
Observable Deviance:
Because I am not very familiar with the wedding situation, it was hard for me to
recognize anything deviant taking place. In one way, the set up for the reception was
deviant by not having a head table of any kind and splitting up the bridal party over
several round tables. I was always under the impression that receptions had a table at the
front for the couple and their wedding party. Another slightly deviant thing I noticed was
that the bride and the groom come from much separated families. As a result, they each
had more than one mother and father participate in the ceremony, and family pictures
were stretched to the limit. Other than that, it seemed as though all the expected norms
were followed perfectly