Wallflower (people)

A wallflower is someone with an introverted personality type (or in more extreme cases, social anxiety) who will attend parties and social gatherings, but will usually distance themselves from the crowd and actively avoid being in the limelight.

The name itself derives from the eponymous plant's unusual growth pattern against a wall as a stake or in cracks and gaps in stone walls. "Wallflowers" might literally stand against a wall and simply observe others at a social gathering, rather than mingle. This could be due to anxiety, shyness, lack of social skills or self-esteem.

Wallflower can also be used on a grander scale. When a company or organization chooses or is forced to remain on the sidelines of any activity, they can be referred to as a "wallflower".[1]

Connection to sociology

Structural function theory

Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that sees society as a number of complex parts that form a stable and functional whole. This leads to a strong and coherent family unit made of smaller parts, with the functioning family unit then going on to form the smaller parts of a wider community, society and so on.[2]

Social conflict theory

Social conflict theory in sociology claims that society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources. It holds that social order is maintained by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity. According to conflict theory, those with wealth and power try to hold on to it by any means possible, chiefly by suppressing the poor and powerless.[3]

Symbolic interaction theory

The most relevant sociological theory that the "wallflower" relates to, symbolic Interaction describes specific gestures or social norms that are symbolic in meaning. The theory consists of three core principles: meaning, language and thought. These core principles lead to conclusions about the creation of a person’s self and socialization into a larger community.[4]

Because the "wallflower" will usually exhibit a lack of interaction with others, it becomes symbolic of their thoughts and feelings towards others. The most specific example would be in the body language. Many times people who are shy have little or no eye contact with others. You may see a man, woman, or child try to avoid eye contact with others while out walking around in public or even in private. For some this may be a condition that becomes consistent over time and become a normal action.[5]

In the case of parties or social gatherings, the "wallflower" will remain at a certain distance from the crowd or most of the people. When a shy person is around others you may see that they do what they can to stay away from the people that they do not know. Even with some friends you may or may not see the shy man or woman even near or in the Bell Bubble or within the intimate distance of friends. In a social setting you may not see a shy person in the center of the room without a friend or group of friends. Shy people tend to stay out of the possibility of even being the center of attention.[6]

Social anxiety

Social anxiety is the extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or performance situations. Social anxiety disorder can wreak havoc on the lives of those who suffer from it. Symptoms may be so extreme that they disrupt daily life. People with this disorder, also called social phobia, may have few or no social or romantic relationships, making them feel powerless, alone, or even ashamed.

Although they recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder feel powerless against their anxiety. They are terrified they will humiliate or embarrass themselves. The anxiety can interfere significantly with daily routines, occupational performance, or social life, making it difficult to complete school, interview and get a job, and have friendships and romantic relationships.[7]

Being a wallflower can be considered a less-intense form of social anxiety. A person with social anxiety may feel a sense of hesitation in large crowds, and may even have a sense of panic if forced to become the center of attention.[8] This fear may cause them to do something as minor as stand away from the center of a party, but it may also cause a major or minor anxiety attack.

People with social anxiety disorder do not believe that their anxiety is related to a mental or physical illness. This type of anxiety occurs in most social situations, especially when the person feels on display or is the center of attention. Once a person avoids almost all social and public interactions, it can be said that the person has an extreme case of social anxiety disorder, more commonly called Avoidant Personality Disorder. People with social anxiety disorder have an elevated rate of relationship difficulties and substance abuse.

Panic and anxiety attacks

Anxiety attacks are a combination of physical and mental symptoms that are intense and overwhelming. The anxiety is, however, more than just regular nervousness. Symptoms of anxiety attacks and panic attacks mimic serious medical issues, such as:

Despite their intensity, anxiety attacks are generally not life-threatening.[9]

  • In the film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Scott sees Ramona standing by herself at a party. Because she is separate from the crowd and not interacting with anyone, she could be considered a wallflower.[10]
  • In the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, as well as in the film adaptation of the same title, the main character Charlie often finds himself alone in school or at parties. He also suffers from anxiety and depression.[11]
  • In the song "Here" by Alessia Cara, the artist describes wanting to enjoy herself at home and not attend any parties with her friends.[12]
  • Bob Dylan sings about a wallflower in the song "Wallflower" from 1971.
  • In the song "Wallflower" by In Flames, from the album Battles, they describe life from the perspective of a wallflower.
  • In the My Little Pony spin-off Equestria Girls, the 2018 special "Forgotten Friendship" features the character Wallflower Blush who is an extreme introvert, says her only friends are the plants in her garden and who sings the song "Invisible" about nobody ever taking notice of her existence.

References
  1. "the definition of wallflower". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2016-11-09.
  2. "What is an example of structural functionalism?". Reference. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
  3. Staff, Investopedia (2013-07-10). "Conflict Theory". Investopedia. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
  4. "Symbolic Interactionism". www.utwente.nl. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  5. "Body language of shyness – Body language expert, reading body language, read body language of men and women". readingbodylanguagenow.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  6. "Body language of shyness – Body language expert, reading body language, read body language of men and women". readingbodylanguagenow.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  7. "Social Anxiety Disorder | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA". www.adaa.org. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
  8. "Fear of Crowds - Phobias - Anxiety". www.healthcentral.com. Retrieved 2016-11-09.
  9. "Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks". www.calmclinic.com. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
  10. "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World". Produced by: Universal Pictures © 2010
  11. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". By: 'Stephen Chbosky' Published by: MTV Books/Pocket Books © 1998
  12. "Here - Alessia Cara". play.google.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
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