Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his contributions to understanding social interactions, especially through the lens of dramaturgy and the presentation of self in everyday life. His work emphasizes how individuals manage their identities and impressions in social settings, highlighting the role of context in shaping communication. Goffman's ideas connect closely to observational research and discourse analysis, where understanding behavior and language use is key to interpreting social dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's work is foundational in sociology and communication studies, particularly for exploring how people navigate their social worlds through performances.
2. He introduced the idea of 'front stage' and 'back stage' behaviors, emphasizing how individuals behave differently in public versus private settings.
3. His book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' is crucial for understanding how identity is constructed through social interaction.
4. Goffman's concept of stigma discusses how negative perceptions affect individuals and influence their interactions within society.
5. His ideas inform qualitative research methods, especially observational techniques that focus on contextual behavior and language use.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of dramaturgy help us understand social interactions?
  • Goffman's concept of dramaturgy suggests that social interactions resemble theatrical performances where individuals play specific roles based on the context. This perspective allows us to see how people adapt their behaviors and communication styles to fit different social situations. By viewing interactions as performances, we can better analyze how individuals manage their identities and influence the perceptions of others.
• Discuss how impression management relates to both observations and discourse analysis within Goffman's framework.
  • Impression management involves the strategies individuals use to control how they are perceived by others. In observational research, this concept is crucial as it helps researchers identify the tactics people use in different contexts. Similarly, in discourse analysis, examining language patterns reveals how individuals tailor their communication to shape impressions and negotiate identities within various social interactions.
• Evaluate the implications of Goffman's theory on stigma for understanding social behavior and communication patterns in contemporary society.
  • Goffman's theory on stigma sheds light on how societal perceptions can deeply impact individuals' behaviors and interactions. Stigmatized identities can lead to altered communication patterns as people navigate the challenges of being judged or marginalized. Understanding this dynamic is essential in contemporary society as it affects various groups, influencing both personal experiences and broader societal discourse on identity, acceptance, and inclusion.

Related terms

Dramaturgy: A sociological perspective that likens social interactions to a theatrical performance, where individuals present themselves in ways that are suited to different contexts.

Impression Management: The process by which individuals attempt to control the impressions others form of them, often through specific behaviors and communication strategies.

Stigma: A concept developed by Goffman, referring to an attribute that is deeply discrediting and significantly alters an individual's identity in the eyes of society.