Two people walking on a city sidewalk quickly glance at each other and then look away as they pass. Erving Goffman called this type of interaction:
A) compulsion of proximity
B) focused interaction
C) civil inattention
D) uncivil behavior

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of civil inattention, which is when people in public places practice polite and respectful behavior by acknowledging each other's presence without intruding on each other's personal space. The quick glance and look away is a way of acknowledging the other person's presence without being intrusive or demanding of their attention.

Two People Walking on a City Sidewalk Quickly Glance at Each