Mall Observation Essay

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Conducting an observation at the mall allows for one to view many different people interacting and demonstrating numerous behaviors. The Mall in Columbia is generally a happy place where people visit to shop, socialize, and eat. While conducting my observation, I saw that some people at the mall were by themselves, with a loved one, or with friends. When out in public, there are certain norms or rules of behavior that people are expected to follow. People who do not follow these often face consequences such as stares, verbal reprimands, or possible legal action (Woller, 2013). Taboos often regulate sexual behavior. A person’s culture greatly influences the way in which sexuality is expressed and acted upon (Yarber & Sayad, 2013). Although …show more content…

There were three females and two males. They were African-American and about 16 or 17 years of age. They were dressed in trendy clothes. The “leader” of the group appeared to be a female who was more boisterous than the others. According to Social-Role Theory, people act differently in social situations and take on different roles based on the expectations that society puts upon them (“Social-Role Theory,” n.d.). She seemed to be flirting with one of the males. While they were sitting at one of the tables, she attempted to get the attention of one of the males by touching his arm repeatedly, showing him things on her phone, and talking just to him exclusively. She interrupted others while they were speaking quite often. At one point, she sat on the male’s lap and showed him something on her phone. He pushed her off after about a minute. She laughed and proceeded to swat him in the arm as though she was offended. She continued to attempt to get his attention by asking him questions and by looking at him. After about fifteen minutes, one of the other females suggested that they go to Starbucks. They got up and started walking away. The “Leader” attempted to walk next to the male she liked and at one point bumped into him with her shoulder. Although they were a little loud and boisterous, they still followed the unwritten rules of society. Also, this type of rambunctious behavior is expected and accepted from …show more content…

They were Caucasian and looked to be in their 40’s. They were dressed in jeans and sweaters. The male had his arm around the female. They sat there talking and relaxing. They seemed to be in a happy mood. The female place her hand on the male’s thigh. She tapped his thigh several times. Eventually, they got up. The male picked up all of their shopping bags. They began walking away and the male put his arm around the female once more. She then leaned into him as they walked into JC Penney’s. They were quite sweet and followed all of the rules of socially acceptable

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