Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his work on symbolic interactionism and the presentation of self in everyday life. His ideas about social interactions and identity are critical for understanding framing processes and collective identity formation, as he explored how individuals manage impressions and navigate social settings to create a desired identity in various contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's concept of 'the self' emphasizes that identities are not fixed but are performed based on social contexts and audience expectations.
2. In his work, Goffman introduced the idea of front-stage and back-stage behavior, highlighting how individuals present themselves differently in public versus private settings.
3. His book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' is foundational in understanding how people use social interactions to create and maintain their identities.
4. Goffman's analysis of stigma illustrates how societal labels can affect an individual's self-perception and their interactions with others, impacting collective identity formation.
5. He argued that collective identities emerge through shared experiences and narratives, which are framed through social interactions that shape group dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of impression management relate to collective identity formation within social movements?
  • Goffman's concept of impression management highlights how individuals consciously or unconsciously shape their identities to influence how they are perceived by others. In the context of social movements, participants often engage in impression management to align themselves with the collective goals and values of the movement. By presenting a cohesive identity that resonates with the group's objectives, individuals can strengthen group solidarity and enhance the overall collective identity being formed.
• Discuss the relevance of Goffman's dramaturgical analysis to understanding framing processes in social movements.
  • Goffman's dramaturgical analysis provides a lens through which we can understand framing processes as performances where social movements craft specific narratives to engage their audiences. Movements strategically choose the 'front stage' elements—such as slogans, visuals, and spokespersons—to convey their messages effectively. This performance aspect is crucial for garnering support and mobilizing participants, as it helps frame issues in ways that resonate with the public's perceptions and beliefs.
• Evaluate the impact of Goffman's ideas on stigma on collective identity formation in marginalized groups.
  • Goffman's exploration of stigma reveals how societal perceptions can profoundly affect individual and group identities. For marginalized groups, stigma can lead to internalized shame and exclusion, but it can also motivate collective action against discrimination. By confronting stigma together, these groups can redefine their identities, creating a sense of solidarity and empowerment. Goffman's insights emphasize that the process of collective identity formation often involves reclaiming narratives and challenging the stigmatizing labels imposed by society.

Related terms

Impression Management: The process by which individuals attempt to control the perceptions others form of them in social interactions.

Dramaturgical Analysis: A framework developed by Goffman that views social interactions as performances where individuals present themselves in specific ways to influence how they are perceived.

Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person, which can affect one's identity and social interactions.