Symbolic interactionists stress the way we make "snap judgments" about other people's class statuses. Since we are aware that other people are judging us, we often pay close attention to what cues we display. Given this, why do you think Paul Fussell decided to measure class status with a "living room scale" rather than assessing some other part of the house?
A) The living room is a part of the house the whole family uses.
B) The living room is where we receive guests.
C) The living room is where the most expensive furniture goes.
D) Everyone has a living room.
E) The living room is where the television is usually found.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionists stress the importance of the way we present ourselves to others and the way we are judged through external cues. The living room is a space in the house that is often used to present oneself to guests and is therefore a space where class is often displayed through the types of furniture, decor, and overall appearance. Therefore, Paul Fussell chose to measure class status with a "living room scale" because it is a space where class is often displayed and judged by others.

Symbolic Interactionists Stress the Way We Make "Snap Judgments" About