Morality at dinner time

What is it about?

This paper illustrates how mundane morality is presupposed and (re)constructed in the micro-order of everyday life. Examples of video-recorded family dinner interactions are discussed, adopting a conversation analytic approach. The analysis illustrates how the sense of the Other is made relevant by parents as an organizing principle of ongoing activities and “talked into being” to manage ordinary tasks (e.g. pursuing synchronicity and distributing food). The analysis reveals that parents use siblings as a resource to embody the “generalized other” and socialize children to take the other’s perspective.

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Why is it important?

Our study contributes to demonstrating the relevance of looking at ordinary practices as powerful means through which members orient to a moral version of the world.