Deviations From Expectations
Figure 6-2
Sydney White is a modern version of the fairy tale, Snow White. Sydney is a freshman pledging for her mother's sorority. However, Sydney is not like the other girls pledging. Her mom died when she was young and was brought up by her dad and his construction buddies. So instead of the high class, rich, proper girls in the sorority; Sydney is a football loving, comic book reading "dork". This catches the eye of Tyler Prince, president of one of the fraternities on campus.
After Sydney shows up one of the college's top football players, Tyler becomes interested and goes out of his way to talk to Sydney.
When unexpected behaviors occur, there is either a positive or negative violation. According to Guerrero, "When the unexpected behavior is perceived to be more satisfying than the expected behavior, a positive violation has occurred."10 This is exactly what happened between Tyler and Sydney. Tyler expects the girls in the Greek system to be prim and proper, but prefers Sydney because she is different.
After Sydney shows up one of the college's top football players, Tyler becomes interested and goes out of his way to talk to Sydney.
When unexpected behaviors occur, there is either a positive or negative violation. According to Guerrero, "When the unexpected behavior is perceived to be more satisfying than the expected behavior, a positive violation has occurred."10 This is exactly what happened between Tyler and Sydney. Tyler expects the girls in the Greek system to be prim and proper, but prefers Sydney because she is different.
Negative Interpretation of Behavior and Rewardingness
Figure 6-3
The girls of the sorority, both members and pledges, do not interpret some of Sydney's unexpected behaviors as positive. Afifi and Metts (1998) created a list of nine general categories of expectancy violations that commonly happen. Uncharacteristic social behavior is on that list.
Sydney's first encounter with fellow pledge, Dinky, is a good example of this. Guerrero defines the violation as: "Actions that do not have relational implications but that simply are not expected from that person in that context."11 Dinky is taken by surprise when Sydney does not have a dress for the first rush party and her suitcase is full of her comic book collection instead of clothes. Despite the negative interpretation Dinky continues to interact with Sydney because she still finds the rewards of being friends.
Sydney's first encounter with fellow pledge, Dinky, is a good example of this. Guerrero defines the violation as: "Actions that do not have relational implications but that simply are not expected from that person in that context."11 Dinky is taken by surprise when Sydney does not have a dress for the first rush party and her suitcase is full of her comic book collection instead of clothes. Despite the negative interpretation Dinky continues to interact with Sydney because she still finds the rewards of being friends.
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