What does 'background expectancies' refer to in social interactions?

The concept of 'background expectancies' pertains to the unspoken norms, assumptions, and expectations that individuals hold based on the social context in which they find themselves. This idea is rooted in the notion that in any given social interaction, people draw upon their accumulated knowledge and experiences to navigate the complexities of that interaction. These background expectancies function as a framework that guides behavior and understanding within specific social settings.

For instance, when entering a formal setting like a job interview, individuals carry certain expectations about professionalism, appropriate attire, and communication styles, all shaped by their previous experiences and the norms of that context. Recognizing these background expectancies helps individuals align their behavior with social norms, facilitating smoother interactions.

The other options, while related to social behavior, do not encompass the broader variety of influences that background expectancies hold within social interactions. Trust and cooperation are integral to social relations, but they are not the entirety of what background expectancies address. Imagined scenarios and personal opinions play roles in social behavior but do not capture the underlying contextual expectations that shape interactions as thoroughly as background expectancies do.