Freedom of symbolic choice makes self-presentation in modern cities perpetually error-prone

Evidence

In the modern city, however, the situation is quite different. Except for those few whose employment requires the wearing of uniforms, most persons are free to pick and choose among a great abundance of different styles, materials, and accessories. And herein lies the difficulty. The individual may be able to code the appearances of others quite well, but be uncertain exactly what combination of elements has created the overall presentation. In applying his or her coding knowledge to self, then, there is always the possibility for error. Thus, a male struggling to appear every inch the upper-middle class businessman may destroy the impression by wearing white socks. — Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order and Action in…, 618

Categorization

• XREF: The abundant-choice-so-error scenario extends Goffman’s presentation-of-self logic; also connects to Simmel on the proliferation of styles fragmenting the blasé subject. — connects to: Self-presentation norms govern nearly every occupation and social relation — Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis, Schooling in Capitalist America:…, 909