Running head: RESEARCH PAPER - SOCIOLOGY 1

Research Paper - Sociology 1 Name: Professor: Course: Date:

RESEARCH PAPER - SOCIOLOGY 1

Introduction Individuals can interact in society through numerous avenues. These social places influence the behaviour of individuals and their interaction when they are in these scenarios. This is because these avenues offer an ambiance, which is unique from the formal setting hence prompting interaction between individuals in such places. Such situations facilitate for observation by sociologists to determine how such places influence interaction and how this is different from other situations (Andersen and Taylor, 2006). An example of a social place is the mall whereby there is unrestricted access and attracts large crowds with different needs and demographics. Therefore, malls are appropriate for observation of how individuals interact in such situations. In the contemporary society, malls are an integral part of life. This is because; they offer shoppers with numerous options enabling them to purchase a wide range of their shopping needs in one location. These conveniences have made these places popular to members of the society from different demographics. Therefore, large crowds and numerous activities, which give it a unique social experience, characterize modern malls. However, malls are not confined to shopping only, and numerous other facilities are a common fixture in these areas. It is imperative to attempt to determine the definition of a mall in order to comprehend its significance and purpose in the society. A shopping mall may be defined as a building, which encompasses various business premises, which are interconnected to facilitate efficient access to these shops and facilities. In the modern times, malls also include entertainment and recreation facilities for individuals seeking relaxation. There are also eateries to cater for the culinary needs of the mall visitors. While visiting the Westfield mall, there were several observations, which i noted. The mall was large, and it was characterized by opens spaces, numerous shops and large crowds of people. The shops were displayed attractively to interest the mall goers. They also had large windows of transparent glass

RESEARCH PAPER - SOCIOLOGY 1

enabling people to view what was being offered in the shops. There was a large parking lot to handle the large influx of shoppers into the complex. Being a weekend, there were many activities and thousands of people visited the mall. The open spaces and numerous walkways, gave the mall an impression that it was spacious, but the shops were located close to each other; hence, there were no large spaces separating individuals and the shops. The mall offers a wide range of attractions. With this consideration, the malls attract all demographics since there is something, which fits the needs of these individuals. However, the malls are mostly created for shopping. Therefore, a majority of the mall goers are there for the purpose purchasing several products, which include clothes, household items and electronics among others. With this consideration, the demographics who make up a majority of the shoppers are teenagers and adults. These demographics are popular in the malls since they have the capability to visit the mall. Age is a restricting factor for mall goers since children are considered not ready to visit the malls by their parents due to various reasons. Children, however, visit the mall in the company of a chaperone or the parents. Teenagers are attracted to the mall because of the mall ability to facilitate socialization. This is attractive to the teenagers since they are at a point where they are interested with creating friendships and romantic relationship. Adults, on the other hand, come to the mall for practical reasons though, in some cases, they come to enjoy the recreation facilities and social places in the mall. Large crowds of people from diverse societal groupings characterize malls. Therefore, malls provide a suitable scenario for interaction. The integration in the mall is mostly through conversations while shopping or in social places. There is also interaction in recreation facilities through games and other interactive activities. The conversations, which are

witnessed in mall, include topics on fashion, bargains and the latest products available in shops. In social places such as eateries and food and drink parlours, there is conversation,

RESEARCH PAPER - SOCIOLOGY 1

which is friendlier (Andersen and Taylor, 2006). There are also romantic conversations mostly from teenage mall goers. Most of the conversations in malls are informal excluding interaction between the staff, their bosses and customers. Being a social place, there are situations, which are unexpected and upsetting. Unexpected situations create panic in most situations, but calmness returns after the problem has been established and addressed. During upsetting situations, which result to, commotions, the situation is dealt with by the security. The situation observed in the mall can be further explored by various sociological theories. This will provide insight on society, and the significance of social behaviour observed. One perspective is structural functionalism. This approach attempts to explain the roles defined for the different structures of the society. Even though the society consists of numerous groups, which are distinct, the groups experience cohesion since they share norms and a culture, which is definitive. This is evident in the mall situation whereby despite the diverse groups where the individuals came from, there was a common ground, which facilitated their interaction. The society in its bid to maintain equilibrium, there is an inherent urge for individuals to interact. This is evident whereby there is interaction even among strangers to satisfy this inherent need (Kirby, 2000). The structural approach is also apparent the role of gender in society whereby the women appeared to take a passive role when the men were involved. The youth also appeared to respect the elders as required by societal structures (Ferrante-Wallace, 2012). The respect for institutions was apparent in that the mall goers respected the authority. This was evident when the mall goers adhered to the instructions of the mall security. It was apparent that they were aware of the authority structures and strived to complement this. When there is interaction of diverse societal groups, there is an actuality that there will be a conflict resultant from the interaction. This was evident in the mall observations where there were different groups with divergent interests. The mall provides numerous

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options for the mall goers and this be based on the interests of the different groups. Conflict emerges when the interests of these groups becomes conflicted. This was apparent when children accompanied parents during shopping. The interests of these two were diverse leading to constant conflict and challenging of authority (Ferrante-Wallace, 2012). The recreation facilities interest the children significantly and they naturally want to participate in fun activities as opposed to the adult activity of shopping. This creates a conflict when the parents barred the children from participating in the fun activities but instead involve them in shopping. Conflict is also seen when the teenagers are involved in misdemeanours, which contravene the regulations of the mall. This creates a conflict with the mall authorities who are mandated to ensure conformity of the mall rules. There was also conflict among the adults especially where couples were involved. Some of the couples did not agree over the budget or which brand to purchase. Considering the structural functionalism, the males are considered having authority over the female gender. The conflict theory under this context is apparent where the women disagree with their male counterparts on shopping matters. Therefore, the conflict theory was evident in the interaction of the different societal groups (Andersen and Taylor, 2006). Symbolic interaction was also evident in the observations made in the mall. Symbolic interaction referrers to communication patterns, and how they are interpreted individuals in the community. These factors influence the direction of the conversation since it involves an ongoing process of exchanging responses, which are verbal or non-verbal. This was evident in the mall observations whereby there was constant exchange of information through verbal means and non-verbal Ques. Several actors, which prompt individuals, to give certain symbols meanings based on their prior interaction with the society. This was evident in the situation where there was a commotion in the mall. This situation was interpreted to be perilous and was associated with danger and violence. This assumption is based on prior

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interaction of mall goers with melees leading to this interpretation (Vannini and Waskul, 2006). Conclusion The society consists of numerous groups. These groups interact differently when in a social situation. This is observed in situations where individuals are confined in a public place facilitating their interaction. These interaction results in numerous outcomes depending on the level of interaction involved. Observing these groups interact makes several aspects of social interaction apparent. Therefore, human interaction is influenced by numerous factors due to the societal differences of the existing groups.

RESEARCH PAPER - SOCIOLOGY 1

References Andersen, M. L., & Taylor, H. F. (2006). Sociology: Understanding a diverse society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. Ferrante-Wallace, J. (2012). Sociology: A global perspective. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Kirby, M. (2000). Sociology in perspective S.l.: Heinemann Educational. Vannini, P., & Waskul, D. D. (2006). Body/embodiment: Symbolic interaction and the sociology of the body. Aldershot, Hampshire [u.a.: Ashgate.