Male Group Analysis

Male 1 in the first group is separated from his fellow students by a narrow walkway. This was a conscious decision, as there were more seats beside Male 5.  His caption is interesting because he is conscious of the importance that his physical position be within the group, yet he is separated. Male 1 would need any of the other males to turn to him in order to make contact.  Whereas the others could make eye contact or touch another student very easily.  The group have studied together for some time as this is half way through the term and so this is likely to be a result of the social organisation within the group.

Male 1 is also trying to take up as little space as possible, so as to allow any potential computer user to have the majority of the desk.  This suggests that Male 1 felt his claim to the workspace was illegitimate, which he verbally implies is because he does not need the computer.  However, he is unfamiliar with the room and may not be an equal member of his class group and this suggests that he is trying to reduce any impression and create least disturbance.  This could be for two reasons:  The first is that he is trying not to be noticed as he is expecting negative attention if he receives any.  The other is to create an impression of himself as considerate and therefore worthy of approval.  This is in contrast to male 4, who is sitting in a bright red T-shirt and want’s to keep ‘plenty of space’. 

Male 5, as the only male in the group wearing bright clothes and not warm work clothes, is projecting a very confident image that separates him from his course and course mates.  This could be for a variety of reason’s including wishing to appear attractive to possible romantic partners, wishing to be judged according to himself rather than his course and implied profession.  It may equally be because he knew that he would be working in the study room and did not wish to make anything dirty.

Males 2-5 picture analysis is grouped together as their positions are so similar.  Each male is sitting very close to his desk and has minimal possessions with him.  Their positions are concentrated on their work individually and show no sign of interaction.  This is the scene I approached and they did not change posture for the photograph.  Their positions suggest that they are concentrating on the work they have been assigned, with minimal interaction between each other.  The room they are in is the study room and there are signs saying not to eat or drink.  The implication suggested by these rules and the compartmentalised sectioning in the area the males are sitting suggests individual and quiet work.  The males are adhering to the expected rules.    Their unfamiliarity with the room may well be making them more inclined to behave in such a way because they have not had time to appreciate the social norms that occur within this room.

Asking the male group for a caption led to the researcher influencing the responses as the group were unsure what I meant.  I therefore had to explain that my project was about how people claim space.  This resulted in a similarity between the individuals.  However, the responses were not the same and still have some relevance.  Male 2 is very possessive of his space as he uses the word my twice, emphasising ‘my things’ and ‘my area’.  Male 3, on the other hand, is less possessive of his things and space, as he does not use ‘my’ at all.  Male 4 seems more aware of the temporary situation and claiming more space than may be required for his time there.  Male 5 is similar to male 4, but without needing more space.