Introduction
This study examines how social class is manifested in the context of a coffee shop in Vancouver. Utilizing observational techniques and interviews, the project aims to understand the cultural norms and dynamics within the selected coffee shop, which reflects the unique identity of its neighborhood.
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1. Group’s Activity and Research Questions
Group’s Activity
Our group consisted of two members who share a common interest in urban culture and socio-economic factors that influence everyday life. We selected a popular independent coffee shop located in the culturally diverse and vibrant neighborhood of East Vancouver. Our selection was driven by the desire to explore an environment that would offer a rich tapestry of socio-cultural elements. This coffee shop, frequented by a diverse clientele, was perceived to be an excellent microcosm of the neighborhood, an intersection point for different cultures and social classes.
Individual Research Questions
The research focused on three main questions
How does the interior design and ambience of the coffee shop reflect the social class of the neighborhood? This question seeks to understand the influence of social class on the physical attributes of shared public spaces.
What behaviors and interactions within the coffee shop communicate aspects of social class? The objective here was to observe and decipher subtle socio-economic cues from customer behavior and interactions.
How does the coffee shop’s menu and pricing strategy relate to the social status of its customers? The aim was to explore how pricing and menu offerings could potentially act as economic indicators of the clientele’s social status.
Objective
The objective of this study was to peel back the layers of everyday life within a coffee shop and discern how social class is communicated in this setting. We aimed to identify and analyze the various ways in which social class dynamics play out in daily activities and interactions.
2. Cultural Norms
The selected coffee shop attracts a diverse range of patrons, reflecting the cultural and social variety of East Vancouver. Customers range from young professionals seeking a quiet workspace, to local artists finding inspiration, to students engrossed in their academic pursuits. The venue is a cultural melting pot where traditional community values meet modern urbanism, creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere.
3. Positionality
As a researcher, I identify with a middle-class background, which inherently shapes my perceptions and interpretations. I possess some understanding of the broader social dynamics within Vancouver, gained through both personal experiences and academic study (Lopez, 2018). This positionality could potentially influence my observational perspective and interpretation of social class within the coffee shop environment.
4. Data Collection Strategy
To grasp the nuanced manifestations of social class, our data collection strategy incorporated detailed note-taking, sketches of the venue layout, and focused attention on various elements such as signage, menu design, customer behavior, and interactions. We employed a qualitative approach, seeking to capture the essence of the environment and its patrons. This immersive method allowed us to gather rich insights into how social class is manifested and interpreted within the coffee shop.
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5. Observations and Provisional Answers
During our time in the field, we took detailed notes on various aspects of the venue (See Appendix 1). We noted the layout of the space, the typography of the signs, the ambient atmosphere, and other significant elements. Initial observations indicated a deliberate balance between affordability and a sense of sophistication in the coffee shop’s offerings and design, possibly reflecting the mixed social class demographic of the neighborhood.
6. Positionality and its Influence
My middle-class background and understanding of social dynamics have likely influenced my perceptions and analysis. My interpretation of what constitutes sophistication or affordability could have shaped my understanding and categorization of social class manifestations within the venue.
7. Interview Instrument
To delve deeper into the study, five open-ended questions were prepared (See Appendix 2). These questions aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of my partner, who shared the observational process, providing an additional perspective on the environment and its social class dynamics.
8. Interview Findings
The interview provided valuable insights that complemented and enriched my own observations. It highlighted nuanced aspects of customer behaviors and the coffee shop’s culture, adding depth to our understanding of social class manifestations within this space (See Appendix 3).
9. Conclusions
The study revealed that the manifestation of social class within the context of the chosen coffee shop is a multifaceted and subtle process. It is intricately reflected through elements such as the interior design, menu offerings, and customer behaviors, painting a complex picture of socio-economic dynamics. These observations point to a nuanced interplay between social class and everyday life, illustrating how community identity and culture intertwine with socio-economic status within shared public spaces. The findings of this study enrich our understanding of how social class is not just a broad societal concept but one that is lived and expressed daily in the most commonplace of locations, like a neighborhood coffee shop.
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Handwritten field notes, sketches.
Appendix 2: Interview questions.
Appendix 3: Interview notes.
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References
Lopez, G. (2018). Urban Culture and Social Class: A Study of Vancouver’s Neighborhoods. City Press.