Embarrassment and the Analysis of Role Requirements

Since embarrassment incapacitates persons for continued role performance, it can provide an indicator of basic requirements of role performance. Study of one thousand instances of recalled embarrassment revealed three major requirements: identity, poise, and confidence in established identity and poise. The analysis of identity reveals the significance of adjunct roles and reserve and relict identities. Disturbances of poise revolve about the handling of spaces, props, equipment, clothing, and the body. Violations of confidence are prevented by performance norms. Finally, deliberate embarrassment is shown to have major social functions.