At a college basketball game, Joe finds himself doing the wave and yelling more than he has ever done in his life. According to Louis Zurcher's work on emotions in society, why is Joe acting like this at the game when he never does such things in his home life?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Louis Zurcher's work on emotions in society suggests that individuals in group settings, such as at a basketball game, often follow an emotional script that is present in that particular setting. In this case, Joe is likely following the emotional script present at most games which involves participating in the wave and yelling. It is not necessarily due to alcohol consumption or a loss of control. Joe is also not deliberately breaking societal rules about emotions, but is rather conforming to the emotional expectations of the group.

At a College Basketball Game, Joe Finds Himself Doing the Wave