On Some Basic Features of the Interaction Order and Their Dynamics in Non-routine Situations

• In Event: 3246 - Theories of Interaction Orders and Ordered Interactions

Abstract

Conceptualizations of the interaction order have been confronted with the puzzle of fragile stability: interactions, while robust, can apparently collapse (for instance in moments of panic) or can deceive participants. This raises the question of how robust, participant-engaging order can turn into the opposite of stability or deceive. Starting from an examination of the basic features of interactions, I suggest here a conceptual apparatus for analyzing types of interaction formats in a unitary fashion. I define the notions of situation, interaction boundaries, and wavefront of relevance as crucial for the analysis of interactions. I distinguish between boundary maintenance, on the one hand, and boundary reconstitution, on the other hand. Maintenance and repair are anchored in routines and achieved with specific tools, defined as care and defense. Boundary reconstitutions are deployed with the help of tools which revert care and defense. These tools are analyzed as carelessness and offense. Based on this, I identify three types of interaction formats: routine, non-routine, and strategic. I argue that these notions help understand better the dynamics of various interaction formats and their interconnections, while offering a starting point for the empirical analysis of situations which are non-routine.

Author

• Alex Preda, King's College London