Movies and conduct

Herbert Blumer


pagine 257

euro

1933

McMillan, New York


The present study is an exploration into a field of conduct which, while intriguing, has deterred investigation because of its intangible character. The customary methods of study used in social and psychological science have not seemed to be of much promise. In this investigation the writer has dispensed with sophisticated techniques. He has simply asked people to relate or write as carefully as possible their experiences with motion pictures.
1 Typical sets of these accounts furnish the bulk of the report and are allowed in the main to convey their own significance. With the accounts at hand the reader may judge for himself the reasonableness of the interpretations made by the author.
No treatment is given in this volume to the influence of motion pictures on sex conduct and life. Materials collected in the course of the study show this influence to be considerable, but their inclusion has been found inadvisable. The omission is not to be construed as implying the absence of the influence.
The writer wishes to make recognition of the appreciated assistance of Mr. Paul G. Cressey, Mrs. Ada J. Davis,
Mr. C. Walker Hayes, Mr. Frederick Hurd, and Miss Laura Pederson in securing a number of the motion-picture autobiographies used in this study. An acknowledgment of indebtedness for generous aid is due the principals and teachers of the grade schools and high schools in which questionnaire and autobiographical material was obtained. Finally the writer wishes to thank the many high-school and college students who wrote their motion-picture experiences. Their fine spirit of cooperation and their good sportsmanship have done much to lighten and make pleasant this investigation.
In writing the report, the writer is indebted to Professor Louis Wirth for valuable comments and suggestions.

Herbert Blumer

Chicago, December, 1931

 

Indice

I. PROBLEM AND PROCEDURE
Problem
Procedure

II. IMPERSONATION CHILDHOOD PLAY
Typical Instances of Movie Play
Variety in Theme
Extent of Influence on Play
Common Themes in Play
Interpretation of Play
Problem of Play

III. IMITATION BY ADOLESCENTS
Beautification and Dress
Imitation of Mannerisms
Trying Out What Is Imitated
Aid to Adjustment
Imitation of Love Techniques
The Movies A Source of Information on Love Behavior
Conclusion

IV. DAY-DREAMING AND FANTASY

V. EMOTIONAL POSSESSION : FEAR AND TERROR
Extent of Fright
Expressions of Fright
Duration of Fright
Effect of Specific Pictures
Fright as a Form of Emotional Possession

VI. EMOTIONAL POSSESSION: SORROW AND PATHOS
Extent of Sorrow
Difficulty of Control
Resolutions to "Be Good"

VII. EMOTIONAL POSSESSION! LOVE AND PASSION
Reactions to Romantic Love
Reactions to Passionate Love
Use of Passionate Love Pictures to Induce Caressing

VIII. EMOTIONAL POSSESSION: THEILL AND EXCITEMENT
The "Serial" and Excitement
Expression of Excitement
Bravado and Toughness
Concluding Remarks on Emotional Possession

IX. EMOTIONAL DETACHMENT

X. SCHEMES OF LIFE
Influence on General Framework of Thought
Stereotyped Views
Conceptions of Modern Life
Conceptions of Love
Relations between the Sexes
Motion Pictures and Unrest
Resentment of Parental Control
Travel and College
Ambitions
Inspiration and the Desire to Be Good
Family Affection and Loyalty
Religious Influence
Difference in Interpretation
Importance of Conversation in Defining One's Interests
Conclusion

XI. CONCLUSION
Some Remarks on Method
Statement of Findings
Interpretation of Findings

APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C

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