Social Interaction Terms

Account

An excuse that explains our rule breaking but also affirms that rule is good and right.

Back Stage

a private or semiprivate spaces in which we can relax or rehearse.

Cooling Out

a social strategy used to help someone accept a disappointing or embarrassing outcome in a way that saves their dignity.

Disclaimer

something a person says before they do or say something that might violate a social norm or make others uncomfortable.

Folkways

everyday customs or habits that people follow but aren’t strictly enforced.

Laws

Rules that are made and enforced by cities, states, or the federal gov.

Mores

strongly held beliefs about right and wrong.

Policies

Rules that are made and enforced by orgs.

Sanctions

Reactions by others aimed at promoting conformity.

Taboos

Actions that are considered absolutely forbidden or disgusting by society.

Dramaturgy

The practice of looking at social life as a series of performances in which we’re actors on metaphorical stages

Front stage

A public space in which we are aware of having an audience. 

Impression formation

the process by which we make judgments and form opinions about other people based on information we observe about them.

Impression management

Efforts to control how we’re perceived by others