Is there a word or phrase for this phenomenon?
July 9, 2010 2:15 PM Subscribe
Is there a word or phrase for this ethnocentric phenomenon of geography and social interaction?
I've noticed that (my) casual interest in strangers is sometime defined by what for now I'll call "relative personal geography" when it comes to social interactions when travelling.
Example: If I'm in the town I grew up (suburban Boston) I am only likely to be interested in interacting with people I know. However, if I'm in another US city (say, San Francisco) and spot someone with a Red Sox hat on or hear a Boston accent, our mutual Bostonian roots may be enough to spark small talk. If I'm in Australia and spot a guy with a Yankees shirt on, I'm more likely to chat him up because we share a common background.
I know this phenomenon is real only because a) it makes logical sense and b) I've been "stopped on the street" in foreign locales myself to chat with fellow Americans. Why do we act this way?
I am genuinely interested if this topic has been flushed out by anyone, and if it has a name.
I've noticed that (my) casual interest in strangers is sometime defined by what for now I'll call "relative personal geography" when it comes to social interactions when travelling.
Example: If I'm in the town I grew up (suburban Boston) I am only likely to be interested in interacting with people I know. However, if I'm in another US city (say, San Francisco) and spot someone with a Red Sox hat on or hear a Boston accent, our mutual Bostonian roots may be enough to spark small talk. If I'm in Australia and spot a guy with a Yankees shirt on, I'm more likely to chat him up because we share a common background.
I know this phenomenon is real only because a) it makes logical sense and b) I've been "stopped on the street" in foreign locales myself to chat with fellow Americans. Why do we act this way?
I am genuinely interested if this topic has been flushed out by anyone, and if it has a name.
*gut reaction
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:25 PM on July 9, 2010
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:25 PM on July 9, 2010
Birds of a Feather, Flock Together.
It's amazing how you can run into relative neighbors far, far away from home.
I agree, it's tribalism, embedded deep in our social core.
posted by MikeWarot at 2:37 PM on July 9, 2010
It's amazing how you can run into relative neighbors far, far away from home.
I agree, it's tribalism, embedded deep in our social core.
posted by MikeWarot at 2:37 PM on July 9, 2010
I think it's just human nature. Humans are social creatures and, neophiles aside, we glom onto commonalities to be the base of a relationship. Even short, just-waiting-in-the-same-line-type relationships.
"This person and I have something more in common with each other than most people around here! They're like me and therefore interesting and approachable. Let's chat."
posted by codswallop at 2:40 PM on July 9, 2010
"This person and I have something more in common with each other than most people around here! They're like me and therefore interesting and approachable. Let's chat."
posted by codswallop at 2:40 PM on July 9, 2010
Best answer: One place to start in your research is "community of interest" (sometimes contrasted to place-based community).
If you like Kurt Vonnegut, you might also consider the term granfalloon.
posted by salvia at 2:42 PM on July 9, 2010
If you like Kurt Vonnegut, you might also consider the term granfalloon.
posted by salvia at 2:42 PM on July 9, 2010
Weakly related: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Familiar_stranger
"if such individuals meet in an unfamiliar setting, for example while travelling, they are more likely to introduce themselves than would perfect strangers, since they have a background of shared experiences."
posted by jasonhong at 2:59 PM on July 9, 2010
"if such individuals meet in an unfamiliar setting, for example while travelling, they are more likely to introduce themselves than would perfect strangers, since they have a background of shared experiences."
posted by jasonhong at 2:59 PM on July 9, 2010
I find this really interesting. I also find it interesting that the further you are from 'home', the larger your home area gets- like how you said you'd consider a New Yorker a community member when you're in another country, but not really when your just in another state.
posted by shesaysgo at 4:35 PM on July 9, 2010
posted by shesaysgo at 4:35 PM on July 9, 2010
« Older Airport Fun in 2 Hours or Less... | Help with summer student loans for an American in... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:25 PM on July 9, 2010 [1 favorite]