Mall Observation

Shopping Mall Observation A sociological observation was conducted at Manhattan Village mall from 5:48 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 18, 2010. There were many different types of ethnicity and different ways of how people act. On the observation day, there were many people in groups of three or more. People tend to just worry about themselves and their own group. Many families brought little kids and let them play around the water fountain. People are so unique in so many ways such as different cultures, views, an d perceptions. In order to communicate and adapt to a new culture, people must learn to understand signs, norms, and social control. These three factors are important and touch almost every aspect of social life. According to Kerry Ferris and Jill Stein in The Real World: an introduction to sociology, a sign is “a symbol that stands for or conveys an idea“(101). Signs are price tag, a slow down sign, numbers, and etc. All signs convey information. Signs are the most common and they make everyone’s life a little easier. Gestures is an example of signs. Gestures are usually have to do with body movements. Even though signs are everywhere and all around, some people have to learn in order to understand what they represent. For example, during the mall observation, there were many sale signs outside of the stores. Those signs are very powerful because they attract customers and persuade them to come in. Sale has many meanings like what is on sale and how many percent off of that particular item. People are being tricked because these signs are big, easy to see, and outside of the stores. One couple walked by Gap store, they saw a sign saying, “ 25% to 50% off on Summer Apparels”. They saw the sign so automatic their minds started to be curious and nosy. They went in, came out with one bag, and looked happy that they got a good deal. Another example was when the girl asked a security where to look for an elevator in Macys. She spoke broken