The document discusses the relationship between attention, status, and communication. It states that those with higher status demand and receive attention from others, while those with lower status are expected to give attention. It also explores how the choice of communication channel depends on factors like urgency, as well as how synchronous vs asynchronous channels affect the number of contacts one can have. Channels requiring more immediate attention generally allow for fewer contacts than those with deferred attention.

1. Attention, Power and
Attention, Power and Communication Communication
Stefana Broadbent (Ph.D.) UCL Department of Anthropology

2. Attention and Status
Status relations, in general, are fundamentally about the
distribution of attention-getting and attention-giving across the
social hierarchy. Those of lower status are expected to give
attention to others. Those of higher status are expected to demand
and receive the attention of others.
Charles Derber 1979 “The pursuit of attention”

3. Reasons for choosing a channel are complex
Not urgent coordination
SMS for grooming
Voice for immediacy

4. Some channels have less than 3 contacts

5. Asynchronous channels increase number of contacts
Broadcast
Synchronous Asynchronous

6. Attention demand determines the number of contacts
Low Attention
Immediate Attention Deferred attention

7. Inverse relation between attention and contacts
Hierarchy of attention Number of regular contacts
Skype with video 3
Voice calls land line 5
Voice calls mobile 5
IM 5
Texting > 10
Email > 10
Social networking > 100

8. Preferred channels change according to social distance
Voice
Text
Broadcast

9. The Intimate Circle, the Close Circle, and Weak Ties