DISPLAY RULES Meaning and
Definition
-
Display rules refer to the social and cultural norms that dictate how individuals should express or suppress their emotions in different situations or cultural contexts. These rules govern the appropriate ways of displaying emotions, including when to express them, how intense their expression should be, and to whom they can be expressed.
The concept of display rules recognizes that emotions are not universally expressed or regulated in the same way across cultures. These rules vary from culture to culture and can even vary within different social groups. They are learned and internalized through socialization processes, often starting in childhood, as individuals acquire the skills necessary to navigate social interactions.
In some cultures, display rules encourage the open expression of emotions, while in others, they may emphasize the suppression or masking of emotions. For example, some cultures may encourage the open display of joy or affection, while others might promote emotional restraint or the hiding of distress. These rules can also differ depending on the context, such as in the workplace, where individuals are often expected to display a professional demeanor.
Display rules serve several functions, including maintaining social harmony, facilitating effective communication, and managing relationships. They help individuals navigate social situations by ensuring that their emotional displays are appropriate within a given cultural or social context. Understanding and adhering to display rules is crucial for individuals to fit into their cultural and social environments and avoid potential disapproval or misunderstandings.
Etymology of DISPLAY RULES
The term "display rules" does not have a specific etymology of its own. Rather, it is a combination of two separate words: "display" and "rules".
- "Display" originates from the Old French word "despleier", meaning "unfold" or "reveal". It was derived from the Latin word "displicare", which meant "to scatter" or "to unfold". Over time, the meaning evolved to include the act of presenting or exhibiting something.
- "Rules" comes from the Middle English word "rulen", derived from the Old French word "rouler" and the Latin word "regula" meaning "straight stick" or "guide". The term refers to a set of instructions or principles that govern behavior or actions.
Therefore, when combined, "display rules" refers to the set of guidelines or norms that govern how individuals exhibit or express their emotions in different social or cultural contexts.
