The theory of social penetration is at the basis of every formation of a new relationship. This theory is an interaction between persons who slowly learn about each other at first formally and then informally. Social penetration is defined as revealing ones self to others, this process is cautious and slow and some are more cautious then others.

In order to find out more about a person you must slowly gain their trust and equally reveal information about yourself. Altman and Taylor refer to this theory as an onion with many layers. Slowly we begin to peel away and understand more and more about the person as the chose to reveal them. However as a person reveals these layers we become more vulnerable to that person we tell them to. These layers are only accessible once the person reveals them self, any other way could destroy the possibility of a relationship.

An interesting point is that once the layers are revealed and you learn more about a person it is acceptable to talk about something already revealed. This is how people establish a relationship when they can establish a form of trust and understanding about one another. Which therefore allows each ot

The second function is goal setting for the group. A group needs to recognize a common standard that they are trying to achieve. Without the recognition of goals groups would fall apart and almost have no reason to stay together. The third function is Identification of Alternatives. These function posses different solutions to the problem in order to present many options to a specific problem.

After this step we would consider any other alternatives. Perhaps we would maybe order pizza or go to get some fast food at Trax. Then after we make our decision to still go to the dining hall we could evaluate the positives and negatives of the situation. Usually the positives outweigh the negatives in that we all ate diner and went together. This is how I use this theory simply in my everyday life here at Brockport.

Walter Fisher has this theory of Narrative Paradigm that relates our life and everything in it to that of a story. He proclaims that people are storytelling animals, which means we strive to tell good stories and to hear good stories. He sees our interaction with people as narratives all the time.

Social Penetration is very apparent in all areas of our lifestyle, especially in new situations and interacting with new people. We must be careful in new relationships in not to get to personal at first in that it might make the person uncomfortable revealing personal things to a new person. Although taking things slow and being genuine can almost guarantee an understanding between two people.

Some topics in this essay:
Social Penetration, Altman Taylor, Identification Alternatives, Narrative Paradigm, Dennis Gouran, Dalmas Taylor, Hirokawa Gouran, social penetration, Walter Fisher, narrative paradigm, telling stories, goal setting, personal person, stories hear, person reveals, walter fisher,