American International Journal of Social Science

Ambiguous Nonverbal Aligning Actions: Getting Away with Untoward Behavior
W. Craig Carter

Abstract
In this paper, I develop a conceptual framework for a much ignored family of identity maintenance strategies: ambiguous nonverbal aligning actions. Specifically, I explain how nonverbal behaviors can be used as aligning actions. I also present two specific illustrations of ambiguous nonverbal aligning actions, discuss the rational for using these types of strategies, and how individuals might resolve ambiguous situations in general. In the discussion section, I suggest how certain categories of individuals might be more likely than others to use a given ambiguous nonverbal aligning action and how ordinary innocuous behaviors might be confused with aligning actions.

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