Rapport: affective cultural structures in sociological inquiry

Rapport, a feeling of ease or comfort in an interactional setting, is not automatic or inevitable. Drawing upon and synthesizing literature in the sociology of ritual, studies of institutionalized feeling routines, theories of cultural resources, theories of small group culture, and theories of group structure from social psychology, we argue that rapport emerges from the fusion of culture, affect, and group history, and that it can serve as a primary structuring force for small groups. We analyze the rapport narratives of ten focus groups—the members of which we asked to discuss an ethical dilemma—as a case study that illustrates the usefulness of rapport in sociological inquiry. A focus on rapport can help researchers discover the structural routines of small group culture and understand the emergence of solidarity. We conclude by suggesting further empirical strategies and applications for rapport in studies of culture, affect, and inequality.