9 Situational Context
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9.2 Individual Differences
📖 Explanation of how factors like age, gender, upbringing, and personal values shape manners.
9.2.1 As we age, we tend to become more set in our ways and less likely to change our behavior. This can lead to a decline in our manners, as we may no longer be as willing to adapt to the changing norms of society.
- Belief:
- Manners are learned behaviors that are shaped by our culture and our individual experiences.
- Rationale:
- As we grow older, we have more experiences that shape our beliefs and values. These experiences can lead us to develop our own unique set of manners that may not always conform to the expectations of others.
9.2.2 Gender roles can also play a role in shaping our manners. In many cultures, women are expected to be more polite and deferential than men. This can lead to women being more likely to use polite language, smile, and make eye contact.
- Belief:
- Manners are a form of social etiquette that helps us to interact with others in a respectful and polite way.
- Rationale:
- Gender roles are social norms that dictate how men and women are expected to behave. These norms can influence our manners by shaping our expectations of how others will behave towards us.
9.2.3 Our upbringing can also have a significant impact on our manners. Children who are raised in homes where politeness is valued are more likely to develop good manners themselves. This is because they learn from a young age that it is important to be respectful and considerate of others.
- Belief:
- Manners are important because they help us to build and maintain positive relationships with others.
- Rationale:
- Our upbringing shapes our values and beliefs, which in turn influence our behavior. Children who are raised in homes where good manners are valued are more likely to internalize these values and behave accordingly.
9.2.4 Our personal values can also shape our manners. For example, someone who values honesty is more likely to be truthful, even if it means being blunt. Someone who values compassion is more likely to be kind and helpful to others.
- Belief:
- Manners are a reflection of our character.
- Rationale:
- Our personal values are the principles that guide our behavior. They influence our decisions and actions, including how we interact with others. Someone who values honesty is more likely to be truthful, even if it means being blunt, because they believe that honesty is important.
9.2.5 It is important to be aware of how our individual differences can shape our manners. This awareness can help us to be more understanding of others and to avoid making judgments about their behavior.
- Belief:
- Manners are important for creating a positive and respectful social environment.
- Rationale:
- Our individual differences can lead to different expectations and behaviors. By being aware of these differences, we can be more understanding of others and avoid making judgments about their behavior. This can help to create a more positive and respectful social environment.
9.3 Power Dynamics and Status
📖 Explanation of how social hierarchies and power imbalances affect polite behavior.
9.3.3 Polite behavior can be used to create a sense of community and belonging.
- Belief:
- Polite behavior is a way of showing respect for oneself and others.
- Rationale:
- When people are polite to each other, they create a more positive and welcoming environment. This can make people feel more connected to each other and to their community.
9.3.4 Polite behavior can be used to resolve conflict and build relationships.
- Belief:
- Polite behavior is a way of showing empathy for others.
- Rationale:
- When people are polite to each other, they are more likely to be understanding and forgiving. This can help to resolve conflict and build stronger relationships.
9.3.5 Polite behavior can be used to achieve personal goals.
- Belief:
- Polite behavior is a way of showing respect for oneself and others.
- Rationale:
- When people are polite to others, they are more likely to be seen as trustworthy, reliable, and cooperative. This can help them to achieve their personal goals.
9.4 Communication and Nonverbal Cues
📖 Explanation of how verbal and nonverbal communication can influence the perception of politeness.
9.4.1 People are more likely to perceive someone as polite if they maintain eye contact while speaking.
- Belief:
- Politeness is associated with respect and attentiveness.
- Rationale:
- Maintaining eye contact shows that you are paying attention to the other person and that you are interested in what they have to say.
9.4.2 People are more likely to perceive someone as polite if they use a respectful tone of voice.
- Belief:
- Politeness is associated with kindness and consideration.
- Rationale:
- Using a respectful tone of voice shows that you are not trying to be aggressive or disrespectful.
9.4.3 People are more likely to perceive someone as polite if they use appropriate body language.
- Belief:
- Politeness is associated with self-control and restraint.
- Rationale:
- Using appropriate body language shows that you are aware of your surroundings and that you are not trying to be disruptive.
9.4.4 People are more likely to perceive someone as polite if they are well-groomed and dressed appropriately.
- Belief:
- Politeness is associated with good manners and social etiquette.
- Rationale:
- Being well-groomed and dressed appropriately shows that you are taking the time to present yourself in a positive way.
9.4.5 People are more likely to perceive someone as polite if they are mindful of their surroundings and avoid causing inconvenience to others.
- Belief:
- Politeness is associated with thoughtfulness and consideration.
- Rationale:
- Being mindful of your surroundings and avoiding causing inconvenience to others shows that you are aware of how your actions affect others.
9.5 Formal and Informal Settings
📖 Explanation of how the formality of a situation can influence the standards and expectations for polite behavior.
9.5.1 Formal settings, such as business meetings or academic conferences, typically have stricter standards of behavior than informal settings, such as family gatherings or casual conversations.
- Belief:
- The level formality of a situation influences the expected standards of politeness
- Rationale:
- Formal settings often involve interactions between strangers or people with different social statuses, so more formal behavior is necessary to maintain a sense of decorum and respect.
9.5.2 In formal settings, polite behavior is often seen as a sign of respect for others, while in informal settings, it may be seen as simply being polite.
- Belief:
- The same behavior can be perceived differently depending on the formality of the setting.
- Rationale:
- In informal settings, people are more likely to be familiar with each other and may not feel the need to be as formal.
9.5.3 In formal settings, people are more likely to be judged on their behavior, so it is important to be mindful of how one acts.
- Belief:
- People are more likely to be judged on their behavior in formal settings.
- Rationale:
- In formal settings, people are often meeting for the first time or interacting with people of different social statuses, so it is important to make a good impression.
9.5.4 In informal settings, people are more likely to be relaxed and comfortable, so they may be more likely to behave in a less formal way.
- Belief:
- People are more likely to behave less formally in relaxed and comfortable settings.
- Rationale:
- In informal settings, people are often with friends or family, so they may not feel the need to be as formal.
9.5.5 The level of formality in a situation can also influence the way people communicate.
- Belief:
- The level of formality influences the way people communicate..
- Rationale:
- In formal settings, people are more likely to use formal language and avoid slang or colloquialisms, while in informal settings, people are more likely to use informal language and slang.
9.1 Social and Cultural Norms
9.1.1 Good manners are the lubricant of social interactions. They help us navigate social situations smoothly and avoid misunderstandings. When we are polite, we show others that we respect them and their feelings.
9.1.2 Social norms and expectations vary across cultures. What is considered polite in one culture may be considered rude in another. It is important to be aware of the social norms of the culture you are in and to behave accordingly.
9.1.3 Social and cultural norms are not static. They change over time as society evolves. What was considered polite in the past may not be considered polite today. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest social norms so that you can behave appropriately.
9.1.4 Politeness can be used to achieve a variety of goals. It can be used to make a good impression, build relationships, or get what you want. However, it is important to use politeness sincerely. If you are only being polite because you want something in return, people will be able to tell.
9.1.5 Manners matter. They can make the difference between success and failure in both personal and professional life. By following the rules of etiquette, you can show others that you are a respectful, considerate, and well-mannered person.