Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his work on the concept of face-to-face interaction and the presentation of self in everyday life. His theories emphasize how individuals manage their identities in social settings, suggesting that interpersonal communication is often a performance where people adjust their behaviors based on their audience and context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman introduced the idea that social interactions are like performances, where people are actors managing their identities based on the situation and audience.
2. He emphasized the importance of nonverbal cues in communication, highlighting how body language and facial expressions can influence how messages are received.
3. His work illustrates how individuals engage in impression management, adapting their behavior to align with societal expectations and norms.
4. Goffman's concept of 'face' refers to the positive social value a person claims for themselves during an interaction, making it crucial for maintaining relationships.
5. He argued that stigma can significantly affect interpersonal communication, as individuals may feel compelled to hide certain aspects of their identities to avoid negative judgments.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of dramaturgical analysis help us understand everyday interactions between individuals?
  • Goffman's dramaturgical analysis frames social interactions as performances where individuals play specific roles depending on their audience. This perspective highlights how people modify their behavior and presentation based on context, illustrating that our identities are not fixed but rather dynamic and adaptable. By understanding interactions this way, we see how personal identity is shaped through social engagements and expectations.
• Discuss how impression management plays a role in interpersonal communication according to Goffman's theories.
  • Impression management is central to Goffman's theories as it involves the strategies individuals use to influence how they are perceived by others during interactions. He posited that people actively curate their appearances and behaviors to align with social norms and expectations, ensuring they project a desired identity. This practice is crucial in maintaining social relationships and navigating various social contexts effectively.
• Evaluate the implications of Goffman's concept of stigma in understanding communication dynamics among individuals.
  • Goffman's concept of stigma reveals how negative labels can affect interpersonal communication by creating barriers between individuals. Those who carry stigmas may alter their communication styles or hide aspects of their identity to avoid judgment or discrimination. This dynamic impacts not only personal relationships but also broader societal interactions, as it highlights the challenges faced by marginalized groups in establishing genuine connections within a stigmatizing environment.

Related terms

Dramaturgical Analysis: A framework for understanding social interaction as a theatrical performance, where individuals play roles based on the social context.

Impression Management: The process by which individuals attempt to control the perceptions others have of them through various strategies during interactions.

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