Interaction in Everyday Life - Case Study Example

Barnhart goes on to say that Goffman's " perspective, though limited in scope, provides new insight into the nature of social interaction and the psychology of the individual". Observing and understanding interactions between the different people we meet can be an exciting experience. This case study on Interaction in Everyday life looks at the interaction and relationship between 2 managers in a High Trend Restaurant for 26 years The writer had to observe the interaction between two people who he could watch closely yet not hear what their conversation was about.

Ashley and Mike seemed ideal candidates as both are known to the writer. Also, the workplace, with its warm and professional environment, was a perfect backdrop for observing the two strong-willed Managers. In the given situation, the status of the people interacting is similar to their position. This is an essential aspect, as is mentioned in Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, and Richard P. Appelbaum's book, "Introduction to Sociology" (4th Edition), "the social roles that we enact are highly dependent on status.

Our status shifts according to the social context".ObservationsAshley is a beautiful Brunette of Italian descent. A strong-willed and determined person, she believes in herself and her knowledge about life! She is pretty enthusiastic and excitable and drinks a lot of Coca-cola! Interaction in Everyday Life: A Case StudyMike, on the other hand, is a calm, handsome man of Irish descent. He is a brilliant man with a lot of managerial experience. Watch them, and one will be convinced that they are constantly arguing!

One day the writer decided to ask Mike why he and Ashley always argued. He then found out that they had not been arguing at all. They were merely exchanging ideas on how to deal with latecomers to work. Ashley wanted them to be penalized for their coming late. On the other hand, Mike believed this was not a big issue because most of these people were less than 10 minutes late. Also, they were excellent workers who did two jobs every day. On learning about this difference of opinion, the observer's first impression was that the two managers were trying to establish who among them was 'right' and more 'powerful'.

However, the more he spoke to them and learned about them, the more he realized that these two individuals shared a great rapport. Despite differences in personality and approach, they complemented each other. Interpretations were the conflicting personalities of Ashley and Mike and their differences that made the writer initially believe they were fighting all the time. Their differences in age, experience and gender, along with certain preconceived notions held by the writer. 

Two such people of the same status must have been competing to get ahead. As a result, he felt they constantly tried to outdo each other and prove a point. However, it all changed when he spoke to Ashley and Mike about them and the relationship they shared.  While a third person might believe that the two did not get along, he realized that, in reality, they were good friends who respected each other. The writer concluded that differences in personality and differences in attitudes need not be the cause of arguments or fights. Instead, two people with such differences can help each other look at issues from a fresh perspective. They can share a bond based on trust and goodwill and be good friends who constantly learn from one another. In the workplace, they can take a multi-dimensional approach to work. Their varied attributes can help them find innovative solutions to issues at work. On the personal front, too, they can be great friends who, through their differences, can help each other learn and grow.