Two young men are on an elevator together.After briefly acknowledging each other's presence,they politely ignore each other for the remainder of the ride.Erving Goffman would refer to this behavior as an example of:
A) backstage behavior.
B) civil inattention.
C) an opening signal.
D) a given-off gesture.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Civil inattention is the term used by Erving Goffman to describe the common interactional pattern in which individuals in the same physical setting demonstrate to each other that they are aware of each other's presence, but avoid any further interaction by looking away or engaging in other activities. This behavior is a way of showing politeness and respect for each other's privacy. Backstage behavior refers to the behavior that individuals display when they know they are not being watched by others. An opening signal and given-off gestures are nonverbal behaviors that signal to others that they wish to initiate or end an interaction.

Two Young Men Are on an Elevator Together