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INTERCULTURAL PRACTISES UNIT 1

WEEK4: INTERVIEWING

TASKS FOR THE WEEK

  • Make a (private) audio recording of you introducing yourself (2 – 8 mins). Address the W5 (who, where, when, what, why). Listen to your interview several times over several days. Ask yourself: Why have I chosen to focus on these things and not others?  What does this say about me and my performance of self (see Goffman’s ‘presentation of self’)? How might I present myself differently? Why might I wish to do this? Reflect on this experience and the insights you’ve gained in your blog.  If appropriate, you may choose to upload your audio recording and/or quote parts in your post. (about 1 hour)

  • READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT:
PRESENTATION OF SELF IN
EVERYDAY LIFE
Erving Goffman

in this text the author stresses how individuals, when in the presence of others. seek to convey information about themselves and gather information about others.

This information defines the social situation they are in, their roles and relations and informs how people will interreact with each other. People use various cues, such as appearance, behavior, and communication, to form impressions of each other. The text highlights the importance of both intentional and unintentional expressions in shaping these impressions. It also explores the asymmetry in communication, with individuals being aware of only part of their own communication, while others use both controllable and uncontrollable aspects to evaluate these impressions. The text provides examples of how people manipulate their expressions to create specific impressions.

Individuals can control and manipulate the impressions they project when they interact with others. It mentions that individuals aim to create a particular image and maintain a working consensus in their social interactions. The passage also talks about the importance of first impressions, preventative and corrective practices to avoid disruptions of projected impressions, and the use of humor and anecdotes to cope with embarrassing situations.

In summary, the passage primarily focuses on the strategies and techniques individuals use to manage the impressions they make on others during face-to-face interactions, and how these interactions involve various roles, routines, and social relationships. It also touches on the moral dimension of these projected impressions.

Goffman explores the concept of dramaturgy, where people are seen as actors on a stage, performing different roles to create specific impressions. The text emphasizes the importance of controlling one’s projected image and maintaining a working consensus in social situations. It also touches on the role of first impressions and the use of defensive and protective practices to avoid disruptions in projected impressions.

PERFORMATIVE BEHAVIOUR IN ORDER TO SOCIALLY CREATE GOOD IMPRESSIONS- MASKING!

William James, delves into the idea that the self is composed of various interconnected subsystems. These subsystems include the spiritual, material, social, and individual levels. James describes how these levels interact and influence one another, contributing to the complexity of the self. He highlights the dynamic nature of the self and its constant adaptation to changing social and environmental factors.


  • During my FORAGING for “system’s thinking” information, I found this very interesting text:
"Principles of Systems" by Jay W. Forrester

Here are my notes.- that I believe could help in an Entrance/ Exit interview as well.

  1. Systems Thinking: Forrester introduces the concept of systems thinking, which involves understanding the interconnections and feedback loops within a system. Systems thinking helps in seeing the bigger picture and identifying the dynamic relationships between different parts of a system.
  2. Feedback Loops: He emphasizes the significance of feedback loops in understanding system behavior. Feedback loops can be either reinforcing (positive) or balancing (negative). Positive feedback loops amplify changes, while negative feedback loops stabilize and regulate a system.
  3. Time Delays: Forrester discusses the role of time delays in systems. Delays in feedback can lead to oscillations or even instability. Understanding time delays is crucial in managing and improving systems effectively.
  4. Stocks and Flows: He introduces the concept of stocks and flows. Stocks represent accumulations, while flows represent the rates of change. This dynamic relationship between stocks and flows is vital for grasping system behavior.
  5. Non-linearity: Forrester points out that many real-world systems exhibit non-linear behavior. Small changes can lead to significant, often unexpected outcomes. Understanding non-linearity is crucial for accurate modeling and management of complex systems.
  6. Causality: He discusses how traditional linear causality might not apply in complex systems. In many cases, causality is circular, and actions taken to address a problem can have unintended consequences elsewhere in the system.
  7. Policy Resistance: Forrester introduces the concept of policy resistance, where well-intended policies to address issues in a system can often result in unexpected and counterproductive outcomes. Understanding this resistance is important for effective policy-making.
  8. Mental Models: He highlights the importance of mental models or the way individuals perceive and understand the world. Recognizing and challenging mental models is essential for adapting to complex systems.

The text underscores the need to think in terms of systems and to understand the intricate relationships, feedback loops, and non-linear behavior within them. This perspective is valuable for managing complex systems, making informed decisions, and addressing problems with a long-term, holistic approach.


  • BELL HOOKS INTERVIEW- VIDEO 1995
(1182) Bell Hooks interview (1995) - YouTube

Watched!

  • Read the following text:
Becker, B. (2004) ‘Hans Ulrich Obrist interview with Howard Becker’ 

Howard Becker explains that he uses interviews when he can’t directly observe a situation and is interested in understanding how people organize themselves to accomplish tasks, particularly in the context of art creation.

Emphasizing the importance of listening in effective interviewing.

Value of asking open-ended questions and avoid long, leading questions.

They discuss the concept of “participant observation,” where researchers immerse themselves in the lives of the people they are studying.

The conversation transitions to the idea of “art happening,” and HB shares insights into his upcoming book “Art from Start to Finish,” which explores how art is completed and how people influence that process. They discuss the idea that art is often “abandoned” rather than finished.

  • Use of Interviews: HB uses interviews as a research method to understand how people organize themselves to achieve tasks or create art. He highlights the value of direct observation but acknowledges that interviews are necessary when observation is not feasible.
  • Interviewing Style: HB prefers an open-ended and conversational style in his interviews. He emphasizes the importance of listening and avoiding long, leading questions. His approach is pragmatic, focusing on obtaining concrete, realistic accounts from interviewees.
  • Participant Observation: The concept of participant observation involves immersing oneself in the lives of the people being studied. This approach allows researchers to gain a deep understanding of their subjects by being present and witnessing events as they unfold.
  • Art and Completion: The discussion of “Art from Start to Finish” highlights the idea that art is never truly finished but often “abandoned.” The book explores how the completion of art is influenced by various factors, including those outside the direct creative process.
  • Monde de l’Art: HB’s interpretation of “monde de l’art” encompasses everyone who contributes to art, not just artists but also those involved in the production process, such as suppliers, producers, and more. This broader perspective differs from Bourdieu’s approach, which focuses on the cultural field.

Photographers can convey sociological insights even if they don’t explicitly state them.


NOTES FROM CLASS 25/10/2023


Firstly: I’ve volunteered myself to be Student Representative.

At the meeting on 20th of November, I should represent our course and year: Talk about enrollment issues ( Things that come up differently and more difficult because we are online).

INTERVIEWS

Firstly, why are we doing Interviews?

  • ENHANCING OUR CAPACTIY TO UNDERSTAND AND SYMPATHISE.
  • ENHANCING OUR ABILITY TO CAPTURE AND REPRESENT THE OTHER & OUR SELVES.

Look up

What is Interviewing?

How do you represent an Artist through an interview?

– I am interviewing Alia –

– And I am interviewed by Iris-

This Interview will be an Entrance Interview for our course.

  • Why are you here?
  • Why have you joined this course?
  • What are your expectations?
  • What do you want to accomplish?

Get written consent that we are both happy w/ the Interview?

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