Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist best known for his work on the presentation of self in everyday life, particularly how individuals navigate social interactions and manage impressions in various contexts. His ideas emphasize the importance of social roles, identity, and the impact of stigma on people’s experiences, making his work relevant to understanding psychological responses during disasters and crises.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's concept of 'face work' involves managing one’s social identity and the impressions others have of them during interactions, which can be crucial in crisis situations.
2. His analysis of stigma highlights how individuals affected by disasters may experience shame or exclusion, impacting their mental health and recovery processes.
3. Goffman's idea of the 'total institution' describes settings where individuals are isolated from society, such as hospitals or rehabilitation centers, shedding light on how these environments affect coping mechanisms during crises.
4. He emphasized the fluidity of identity, suggesting that people adapt their self-presentation depending on their audience, which can shift dramatically in response to disasters.
5. Goffman’s work encourages understanding the emotional labor involved in managing personal and public identities, especially in high-stress situations like emergencies.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of 'face work' relate to individuals coping with psychological stress during a disaster?
  • Goffman's 'face work' refers to the efforts individuals make to maintain a positive self-image and manage impressions in social interactions. During a disaster, people may feel pressured to present themselves as composed or resilient even when they are experiencing significant emotional turmoil. This pressure can add to their psychological stress as they navigate their own feelings while trying to meet societal expectations.
• In what ways does Goffman’s understanding of stigma apply to individuals affected by crises, and what implications does this have for their mental health?
  • Goffman's exploration of stigma highlights how those impacted by crises may face social isolation or discrimination, further exacerbating their psychological distress. Individuals who suffer losses or trauma might feel ashamed or marginalized, leading to reluctance in seeking help. This stigma can hinder recovery efforts and create barriers to accessing resources necessary for healing.
• Evaluate the relevance of Goffman’s role theory in understanding the dynamics of identity change during disasters.
  • Goffman’s role theory provides insight into how identities are constructed and performed based on social expectations. During disasters, individuals may find themselves needing to adopt new roles—such as caregiver, survivor, or victim—leading to significant shifts in their sense of self. This evaluation is crucial because it helps us understand how identity fluidity can influence people's coping strategies and mental health outcomes as they navigate their experiences in the aftermath of traumatic events.

Related terms

Stigma:

A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person that can affect how individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others.

Social Interaction: The process by which individuals act and react in relation to others, which is central to Goffman's theories of self-presentation.

Role Theory: A framework for understanding how individuals perform roles based on societal expectations, significantly influencing their behavior and interactions.