Observations at a College Campus - Coursework Example

Client’s Observations at a College Campus Observing behavior and social practices on a college campus can provide for a number of observational details across a wide variety of concepts which include gender, age, and social grouping. On (set date ) for two hours at the (name university) campus, a series of traditions and social conventions were observed in relationship to the behavior of college students as they interacted. Students were observed from a distance, without interaction. Through observing the behaviors of people on the university campus setting, the traditions of gender, age and social grouping could be assessed for how classifications related to behavior. Men and women traditionally inhabit roles that place them within societal roles through which various functions begin to be addressed. One of the habits seen in watching women that are in the traditional age range of college attendance is that the use of sweeping their hair behind their ear repeats itself through social groups In observing the college campus setting for two hours, the use of this indicator of female openness to mating was observed repeatedly as women talked in only female groups, and more so in coed or male to female conversation. Men would become more aggressive in all male groups, where they tended to display puffery in mixed groups, displaying their virility through grandiose behaviors. Age played a significant role in the way in which both males and females behaved. Students who were only a year out of high school behaved in ways that showed that they were still protecting themselves from what was still somewhat unfamiliar. Students more familiar with the college experience walked more slowly and without a need for protective devices. Students who were of college age were more social with one another, while students who seemed to be older were isolated more often. Social grouping happened in a number of different ways. One of the interesting ways in which people grouped was in having similar levels of attractiveness. People who were socially considered more attractive were seen together with various levels of attractiveness tending to group together. Couples were frequently seen through this time period as they walked in a way that was oriented towards one another, making it clear that they were in a mated pairing. There were no groups during this time period which seemed to be grouping over racial classifications, but this does not mean that this does not occur. It was very interesting to see that social groups seemed to be more important to younger students, while older students were primarily alone as they walked through the campus. It is possible that having become a student and gone through the process within that same university that interpretation of behavior is based upon the observer’s own memories of similar experiences. This is especially relevant to interpreting first year behaviors in comparison to older students. As well, differences in racial classifications is not something that the observer indulges, so seeing them may have been interpreted through other ways to classify them, leaving that aspect out of the observation. It was interesting to observe the hair sweep behind the ear, having often thought it was a common ritual among women. Client’s Name Professor’s Name Class Date Observations at a Wedding Reception In order to study the rituals and behaviors of a common Caucasian wedding, it was necessary to go to the (name of hotel) on (date) in order to observe a wedding reception from a distance. The period of time spent watching was intended to be two hours, but ended up being three. Having no relationship to anyone at the event, observations were made by sitting isolated from the activities and through sitting outside of the area in which these events were taking place, but still within the reception hall. Permission was granted to observe through asking an older member of the bridal party who was presumably one of the fathers. The original intention had been to watch those within the hotel, but this opportunity seemed to have a deeper potential for information. Food rituals were some of the more interesting ways in which human behaviors specific to a wedding reception could be observed. As well, dress is a key element to wedding communication and role identification. Dance also played a key role in the way in which the celebration was expressed. Through observing wedding reception rituals and behaviors, an interesting element of the mating process of can be observed. The wedding reception was that of a male and female Caucasian couple who appeared to have a large number of friends and family in attendance. The couple was likely in their mid to late twenties. Most of the reception was comprised of those who could be classified as Caucasian, but there were some exceptions to that element of classification. Ages ranged from infants to those over the age of sixty. Food was a large part of the rituals that were observed by the attendants of the event. The cake was especially important, brought out and introduced with the attention of the attendees who clapped for it. The bride and groom observed the ritual of feeding one another the cake, but did not shove it into each other’s face as is often observed. This was done with dignity and what appeared to be a good deal of care. The food was spread as a buffet style meal and people formed an orderly line to fill their plates. Mints and that were in the shape of hearts and nuts were available and were put into napkins and taken to the table. The bride was dressed in a long, elaborate gown of all white with her bridesmaids dressed in gowns that all looked alike. The groom was dressed in a tuxedo with groomsmen dressed similarly. The tuxedo was also worn by two older gentlemen who were presumably the fathers of the bride and groom. One young male of about six wore a tuxedo as well as a young girl who wore a dress that was of the same fabric as the bridesmaid dresses. Two older women who were likely the mothers of the bride and groom wore long gowns that were unrelated to the dresses of the bridesmaids. Dance was another ritual that began to form once the dining had taken place. The food was still in place, but a disc jockey (DJ) began to introduce members of the bridal party. The first was the bride and groom who danced to what was called ‘their song’, and they were eventually joined by their parents at the request of the DJ. Rather quickly the other attendees joined them as the DJ made that suggestion. Eventually, what was called a money dance occurred where the bride danced with a line of men who gave her money. There are a great many rituals involved in a wedding, and this wedding seemed to be simple without many of the conventions that have arisen in the last decade. Food was essential as was appropriate dress. Dance took on many meanings in the process. From personal experience at weddings, there were many conventions of new styles of wedding rituals that did not occur, so my opinion was that it was planned by older members of the family with a modest budget. The wedding reception was simple and reflected a great number of conventions and rituals. From the experiences I have had with other wedding reception this one was done with the idea of bringing family together and having fun, while honoring the bride and groom. Read More