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Unit V Social Organization
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Instructor's Manual
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Role Expectation and Performance
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Theme
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DescriptionUses student descriptions of embarassing moments to analyze role expectations and performance.
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Learning GoalsTo help students better understand role behavior by examining situations of embarrassment as breakdowns in role performance.Back to top
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ProceduresTo replicate the Gross and Stone (1964) study, I begin by requesting that students write a paragraph describing their “most embarrassing moment.” I instruct them not to include any names on their papers. I have found that students seem more willing to write about episodes to be read in class if they know they do not have to be indentified personally with it. Five minutes are allowed to complete the paragraph.Back to top
The slips of paper are then collected, shuffled, and passed out so that each student can read an episode written by another class member. Volunteers are solicited to read aloud the descriptions which they have before them.
At the end of the exercise, I summarize some of the technical points in the article. For example, Gross and Stone found that embarrassing moments fit roughly into three categories which correspond to essential stages in effective role performance. These are establishing identity, maintaining poise, and maintaining confidence. I also emphasize the general role theory notions of role expectations as well as the sense of personal discomfort derived from violation of these expectations.
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More InformationThis exercise is adapted from Edward Gross and Gregory P. Stone. 1964. “Embarrassment and the Analysis of Role Requirements,” American Journal of Sociology 70 (July), pp. 1-15.Back to top
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Creator/SourceUsed by Michael Mend, Department of Sociology, California State University, Fullerton, California. Published in Edward L. Kain and Robin Neas (ed.). 1993. Innovative Techniques for Teaching Sociological Concepts (Third Edition). Washington, DC: American Sociological Association, Teaching Resources Center, p. 77.
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Other Comments (Interpretation, possible pitfalls)The class usually has lots of fun with this exercise.Back to top