Communication created through clothing behaviour Flashcards
Can communicate:
Group Membership, Economic Position, Gender, Age, Status, Occupation, Occasion
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.
Economic Position
People decide whether you are wealthy or not by looking at your clothing. Clothing is also a relatively easy and cheap (when compared to other symbols such as homes or cars) method of creating an impression of affluence. Detail such as shoes, jewellery and appearance of the hands and hair can be a give-away!
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.
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.
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.
Gender
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.
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.
