Week 2: readings Flashcards
What is the focus of Kate Fox’s exploration in ‘Watching the English’?
The behavioural norms and cultural rules that define English identity
Fox’s approach combines humour, keen observation, and academic analysis.
What is the primary function of small talk in English culture?
To initiate social interactions without emotional exposure. To gage reciprocity in enganging in a conversation.
Weather discussions serve as a safe and neutral topic. Icebreaker
What is the ‘distance rule’ in gossip?
The more ‘distant’ from you the subject of gossip, the wider the circle of people with whom you may gossip about that person. Gossiping is the most common form of groom-talking.
This allows social bonding.
How is humour perceived in English social interactions?
As integral, managing awkwardness and creating bonds
Humour is the ‘default mode’.
What is the significance of queueing in English culture?
It reflects fairness and order
Queue etiquette is highly valued.
What does ‘self-deprecating humour’ promote in English interactions?
Modesty and relatability
It allows individuals to appear modest while maintaining rapport. Appearing modest is very important to the brittish.
What are ‘class indicators’ in English culture?
Linguistic and behavioural markers that signal an individual’s social class
Examples include vocabulary choices and pronunciation. Vocabulary choices (e.g., “napkin” vs. “serviette”) and pronunciation reveal one’s social class.
What characterizes the English conversational style?
Understatement and indirectness
These are hallmarks of English dialogue.
Fill in the blank: The English tend to _______ frequently to smooth over social interactions.
over-apologise
This reflects their cultural tendency to avoid conflict
What is the role of privacy in English public behaviour?
To value emotional reserve and avoid public displays of affection
Emotional restraint is prized in English culture. Emotional reserve is tied to notions of self-contril and modesty.
What does ‘pub etiquette’ include?
Buying rounds of drinks and respecting personal space
These rules foster inclusivity and fairness.
True or False: The English are open about discussing their emotions in public.
False
They avoid intense personal discussions.
What is a paradox in English behaviour related to pride?
Pride vs. Self-Doubt
The English express pride in heritage while also being self-critical.
What is another paradox present in the English culture?
Politeness vs. Passive-Aggressiveness: While outwardly polite, English communication can often contain passive-aggressive undertones.
What is the significance of class consciousness in English culture?
It influences language, behaviour, and personal presentation
Class distinctions remain embedded in everyday life. Class symbols = hobbies, dress and home decor
How have English rituals adapted to modern influences?
They have evolved while retaining core principles like politeness and humour
Globalisation and technology have impacted these behaviours.
What is the term for participating in the life and culture of the people one studies?
Participant Observation
This is a method used by anthropologists.
Fill in the blank: The English identity is rooted in emotional restraint, a love of rituals, and an obsession with _______.
class markers
What is ‘understatement’ in the context of English conversation?
A style that downplays emotions or achievements
It reflects the English aversion to exaggeration.
Difference in bonding talk between males and females
- Female bonding talk = ritual exchange of compliments (counter-compliments)
- Male bonding talk = mine is better than yours
What historical practices were early crime prevention efforts based on?
Eugenics and biological determinism
Early methods often focused on biological or mental predispositions leading to unethical practices.
What does modern biosocial criminology integrate?
Biological and social factors
This integration aims to create developmental crime prevention programs.
What is the focus of developmental crime prevention?
Addressing early biological and social risk factors
This approach aims to prevent crime before it occurs.
List the types of prevention strategies in crime prevention.
- Developmental prevention - Targets biological and psychological risk factors early in life (ie: impulsivity, aggression, neuropsychological defecits)
- Community prevention - change the social conditions and institutions
- Situational prevention - reducing opportunity to commit crime
- Criminal justice prevention - deterrent and rehabilitative strategies
