[Last modified: November, 21 2024 10:32 PM]
Today, I chose the Metro as the location for this field observation and I took the Jubilee line, Southwark to Canary Wharf, in the morning.
During rush hour, the carriages are exceedingly crowded, leaving passengers with little personal space. However, most individuals go to great lengths to avoid direct physical contact unless unavoidable. Subtle adjustments in posture—such as holding bags close or signaling others to shift with a glance—indicate a shared understanding of unwritten rules: maintaining as much comfort as possible in a shared space.
Interestingly, despite the crowding, conflicts were virtually nonexistent during this observation. Instead, when accidental contact occurred, passengers often quickly muttered “Sorry” before returning to silence. This brief and automatic exchange underscores the importance of politeness in the cultural fabric of the London Underground.
Throughout the journey, over 70% of passengers were observed using smartphones or wearing headphones. Activities such as scrolling through social media, reading the news, or listening to music appeared to serve as a form of “social shielding,” helping individuals avoid eye contact or interactions with strangers.
While these digital habits create an impression of personal immersion, there were occasional breaks in this self-imposed isolation. For instance, when the train briefly stalled due to a signal issue, two passengers exchanged a quick remark about the weather before returning to silence. These interactions, though fleeting and functional, reflect a quintessentially British tendency to engage in light, situational conversation to ease tension rather than pursue deeper connections.
The cultural diversity of London was palpable in the carriage: an Italian-speaking couple, a woman dressed in traditional South Asian attire, and several fast-talking professionals in sharp business suits. The mix of languages, clothing styles, and behaviors vividly illustrated London’s status as a global city.
As the train approached Canary Wharf, the dominance of suited financial professionals became increasingly apparent. Often holding takeaway coffee cups, they exuded a sense of urgency. In contrast, students and tourists—with their backpacks and suitcases—appeared more relaxed, embodying a different tempo of urban life.
The London Underground is not just a means of transport but a microcosm of urban society. In this space, body language, digital habits, and cultural diversity intertwine, reflecting the complexities of city life. While interactions between passengers are typically brief and superficial, they reveal a deeper cultural logic underpinning these silent rules and behaviors.
For future fieldwork, I plan to explore the origins of these “invisible rules” and how they shape interpersonal dynamics in this unique public space. As The underground serves as a “dynamic museum” of urban culture, so as an observer, I cannot help but reflect on my role: am I merely documenting this culture, or am I also an integral part of it?