Rules of place, roles of power: Bars

Who you are at the bar: what factors affect social norms in bar scene?

Some of the rules of place at the bar have backgrounds in power and identity concerning the conception and perpetuation of those rules. Social forces as well as internal forces work to adhere to social norms to create an unspoken way of conducting ones’ self appropriately with gender, age, and economic status.

When someone turns 21, our state and federal governments allow that person to legally drink alcohol. Turning 21 and legally being allowed to drink in a bar indicates a perceived final transition to adulthood. Interestingly enough, in our examined area of bars in Athens, the power shifted from the older members of society to younger college students. The laws laid out saying who can drink are mandated by an older generation, but in a college town bar – it’s the younger crowd that dominates and creates ‘rules’ in the establishment. A person of 30 or older would be noticed almost immediately in a busy bar on a busy night.

The bartender assumes a position of power identity in the bar scene. A patron is expected not to lean over the bar and serve themselves. The act of being served by the bartender is followed by the expectation of a tip for those services. The customer is what drives the business, however, they are expected to not only pay for the beverages, but tip regularly. Not doing so can make the person holding power choose to neglect the customer’s future orders.

The bar is a place many people go to socialize and flirt with someone of the opposite sex. There are rules that society creates that follow us into bars when interacting with someone of the opposite sex. People are expected to dress nicely and present themselves as best as possible. Typically, males are more assertive about pursuing girls, while females are typically less aggressive. Guys are also supposed to pay for the drinks. This is taken from ideals of male dominance in society as well as their higher status. Another thing people are aware of when dealing with what men/women are expected to do in a bar is what drink to order. It’s seen as more masculine to 'slam' shots, drink straight whiskey, or consume mega-mugs; while it’s seen as more feminine to drink things that are fruitful, made with clear liquor, or mixed and decorated drinks. Beer seems to span the gap between the two genders.

Typically, bars today have multiple flat screen TV's that run sport programs. We believe this is a representation of catering towards the men in the establishment, as they are seen to be the 'breadwinners', and the ones who should be paying for the drinks.

When it comes to choosing a bar, it’s not just the decor or type of drinks served that determine if it’s the right establishment. There are things like what type of attire worn, music played, and social crowds that populate the establishment. Here we believe socio-economic issues are implied. People who can afford to dress nicely, who want to hear rap music, and who’s main goal is to go home with a partner may go to a certain type of bar. On the other hand, people who want to just wear everyday clothes, relax with a few friends in an environment that’s not too loud or obnoxious may want to look for another place.

We discussed that girls are usually concerned with taking pictures and uploading them, for example, to Facebook so they can share them with their family and friends. I think this correlates to the social norm that women are more readily open and accessible when it comes to sharing and appreciating experiences with their friends. Men tend to put on fronts (‘I don’t care’ attitudes) and not seem so excited about simply enjoying their friend’s company in order to seem or remain tough and disconnected emotionally.