Deference and Demeanor

Deference and demeanor is a widespread sociological idea that defines demeanor to be the way a person acts and deference as the respect and/or reaction another person has to that behavior. Along with deference and demeanor comes obligation and expectation. Obligation being defined as the the way society projects responsiblity onto a certain person whereas expectation is the expected reaction that another person will give. For example "A nurse has an obligation to follow medical orders in regard to her patients: she has the expectation, on the other hand, that her patients will pliantly cooperate in allowing her to perform these actions upon them" (Goffman 474).

== Deference ==
There are two specific types of deference: symmetrical familiarity and asymmetrical familiarity. Symmetrical defined as having the right to exercise a familiarity. For example: a teacher calling a student by their first name. Asymmetrical is defined as a person not being in the position to return the familiarity. For example: the student not referring to the teacher by his or her first name.
Symmetrical and asymmetrical familiarity are further expanded on in Avoidance Rituals and Presentational Rituals. An avoidance ritual is when a person purposely detaches themselves from another person in order to not violate the other person's "bubble." Presentational ritual on the other hand is the exact opposite of an avoidance ritual. In avoidance rituals, an interaction is purposely avoided so as not to cause discomfort. In a presentational ritual, an interaction will be met head-on and the person will clearly state their opinions and views of the other person.
== Demeanor ==
There are three definining aspects to demeanor; deportment, dress, and bearing. Together these qualities convey whether a person has admirable qualities. According to Goffman, these desirable qualities include, sportsmanship, self control over his emotions, modesty, poise under pressure, discretion and sincerity.
As in deference, there are symmetrical and asymmetrical rules in demeanor as well. Symmetrical rules can be referred to as people of higher class or status are permitted to act in a more unprofessional manner whereas asymmetrical rules are people of lower status or class are required to act in a more professional or respectful way at all times. For example, in an incorporate board meeting an executive is permitted to change topics and be more relaxed with his body language. At the same time, however, an intern is expected to present him or herself in a dignified, but unnoticeable manner.
== Deference and Demeanor: How the two coincide ==
A person with a poor demeanor will held in lower esteem in the eyes of a society. The same is true for people who behave in a good demeanor, however, society will hold them in a higher esteem. An example of this situation can be seen through the way a person acts in a social setting. i.e. A man pulling out a chair for a woman at a restaurant. On the other end of the spectrum, a person not bathing before they go to a fancy dinner party. These examples can be defined as presentational deference.
== References ==
Goffman, Erving. 1967. Interaction Ritual. New York, NY: Anchor House.
ISBN: 0394706315
Soper, Philip. 2002. The Ethics of Deference. United Kingdom: University Press, Cambridge.
ISBN: 0521810477