Communication created through clothing Flashcards
3.1 First impressions
When a stranger sees you for the first time, that person can judge you only by what you look like. Your appearance, that is your clothes, accessories, make-up, quality of grooming and posture plays a very important part in the impression that the other person will form of you. First impressions can be very important; it can determine either acceptance or rejection. All subsequent information about a stranger is perceived in the light of the first impression. It could take a long time to “undo” an incorrect impression formed as a result of clothing. This concept will be discussed again in the module on wardrobe planning.
3.2 Stereotypes
Individuals are classified or categorised as belonging to a certain group, and characteristics and behavioural patterns are assigned to them based on the perceiver’s view of that particular stereotype. These characteristics usually are negative, and unfortunately stereotyping does not take into account the wide range of characteristics that is possible within a given group of people. Stereotypes often are based on appearance. For example, we see a woman with bleached, blonde hair in a high, teased style and we immediately classify her as being not very intelligent and belonging to a lower social class.
Kaiser (1998:255) states that “stereotypes are not necessarily negative in their consequences”. We use stereotypes as a cognitive strategy to simplify incoming information. Our stereotypical views of people are often, at least in part, correct.
Read p100-114 of the textbook (3.3 Funny kine clothes: the Hawaiian shirt as popular culture), and also p14-17 (1.1 “Undercover” in hijab: unveiling one month later).
3.3 Fraudulent use of clothing
Clothing also can be used fraudulently to mislead people. On pages 204 and 205 Kaiser (1998) explains the factors that restrict the fraudulent use of clothing symbols or misrepresentation of the self. These are intrinsic restrictions, moral restrictions, restrictions of cultivation and socialisation, and organic restrictions. Make sure that you understand these restrictions and can give examples of each. Consider how the article you read (p256-257) in Miller-Spillman, Reilly and Hunt-Hurst (2012) relates to fraudulent use of clothing.
Intrinsic restrictions
Pertain to a lack of resources to effect a misrepresentation of self. For example, one may not have the money to buy a fur coat and present the self as affluent.
Moral restrictions
Refer to ethical considerations related to the presentation
of self. People are likely to feel that it is morally wrong to pretend to be :a police officer, a nun, or a physician, for example. To do so may be harmful to others.
Restrictions of cultivation and socialisation
Restrictions of cultivation and socialisation may also prevent people from presenting themselves in roles they are not prepared to perform. For example, one may be able to assume the props necessary to impersonate the opposite sex, but subtle nuances (walking, sitting, and gesturing) may be as likely as organic restrictions to betray one’s sex (sec Figure 6-11). Self-monitoring and especially acting ability may assist a person in overcoming the restrictions of cultivation and socialisation,in some cases.
Organic restrictions
Are linked to the physical self. One’s body may
restrict a person from pretending to be an athlete. Simply donning a football uniform may not be sufficient to convince perceivers that one is a football player,
if one’s body does not “fit” this role.
3.4 Communicative value of clothing
Clothing can communicate information about various aspects of the wearer.
3.4 Communicative value of clothing
Clothing can communicate information about various aspects of the wearer.
Economic, Status, Gender, Age, Occupation, Group membership, Occasion.
3.4.2 Status
The leader or the best hunter wore the most beautiful skin as a symbol of his achievement. The prefect has a special badge or braid on his or her blazer. An academic hood and gown indicate not only the degree the wearer holds but also of the university at which it was obtained. Differences in status as indicated by dress could be so subtle that only those in the know would be able to distinguish between the different levels of society.
3.4.3 Gender (sex)
With the emancipation of women, differences in male and female clothing have become less distinct. But, within one’s own culture, gender still can be judged accurately, if not by the basic garment, then by detail in style, fabric, trimmings or accessories.
3.4.4 Age
Clothing can be a cue to the wearer’s age and, in some societies, will indicate whether the person is engaged, married or even of how many children a woman has.
3.4.5 Occupation
We all recognise a policeman, soldier, nurse or pupil by the uniform they wear, and we also can distinguish between the businessman, the site engineer and the pharmacist.
3.4.6 Group membership
Group membership is indicated by uniforms, such as the school or Boy Scouts uniform, or in the case of certain cultural groups, by their traditional dress. Members of the Zionist Church of Africa are identified immediately by their insignia – a green ribbon with a silver metal star.
3.4.7 Occasion
We will not confuse a bride with a cross-country runner or a woman on her way to church with the same person about to do some gardening.
