Ecological and Negotiation Processes in New York Subways.

Abstract

Most investigations of subway behavior fall into either of two theoretical approaches. The first is the ethological approach which seeks to explain human behavior as the result of environmental stimuli; the second is the dramaturgical approach which lodges its explanations in interpersonal and situational processes. Both approaches, however, assume that subway systems are of a heterogeneous composition that is essentially formless. Data relevant to this assumption were collected through direct observations of 455 racial and sexual seating relationships on the IRT and IND lines of the New York City subway system. Statistically significant differences were found which demonstrate the existence of patterned seating behavior. It is concluded that the physical environment of subway cars does indeed structure conduct, but that these settings are situationally transformed as well. These results inform a theoretical discussion of environmental constraint and situational transformations in terms of the ethological and dramaturgical approaches. Negotiation theory, which emphasizes the interplay between structure and process, is suggested as an alternative theoretical formulation.