List of Contributors Statement of Scope Introduction Following Goffman, Following Durkheim Into the Public Realm 3 Observations and Observers in Conflict: Field Research in the Public Realm 19 From Clusters to Arcs and Rings: Elementary Forms of Sociation in Temporary Gatherings 35 Identifying and Negotiating Troubles in Public Playgrounds 59 Home Ranges and Daily Rounds: Uncovering Community Among Urban Nomads 77 A Family Among Strangers: Kinship Claims Among Gay Men in Public Places 95 Negotiating the Public Realm: Stigma Management and Collective Action Among the Homeless 121 The Urban Staging of Public Incivility 145 The Skyway System and Urban Space: Vitality in Enclosed Public Places 167 Shopping for Sociability in the Mall 183