Ethnomethodology
What is Ethnomethodology?
Ethnomethodology is the study of the methods and practices people use to make sense of their everyday social interactions. This approach focuses on how individuals create shared meanings and maintain social order through common behaviors and unspoken rules.
Studying Everyday Rules
Ethnomethodology is a way of studying how people make sense of their everyday lives. It looks at the unspoken rules we follow to communicate, interact, and understand each other. These rules are so normal to us that we usually don’t even notice them, like saying “hello” when you answer the phone or standing in line at the store.
How Ethnomethodology Works
Ethnomethodologists study small, everyday interactions to see what rules people follow. For example, they might observe how people act when someone cuts in line to see how others respond. These tiny actions reveal the hidden rules that keep society running smoothly, even in situations we think of as “normal.”
Examples of Everyday Rules
- Talking: When someone asks, “How are you?” you usually answer with “Good,” even if you’re not feeling great.
- Sharing Space: On an elevator, people usually face the door and stay quiet because that’s the unspoken rule.
- Using Manners: Saying “please” and “thank you” is expected in many situations, even though no one forces you to do it.
These simple behaviors reflect how we create social order without even thinking about it.
Breaking the Rules to Study Them
Ethnomethodologists sometimes break the rules to see how people react. For example, if someone faced the back of the elevator instead of the door, others might feel uncomfortable or confused. These reactions show how much we depend on unspoken rules to feel comfortable in social settings.
Role in Real Life
Ethnomethodology helps us see how much effort goes into making everyday life feel “normal.” It explains why people react when someone does something unexpected, like not saying “excuse me” after bumping into someone. Understanding these hidden rules helps sociologists learn how people create order and avoid misunderstandings in their communities.