Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his work on social interaction, particularly through the lens of performance. He introduced the idea that everyday life is akin to a theatrical performance where individuals manage impressions to navigate social situations, making his theories foundational in understanding the performative nature of human behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' is a key text where he elaborates on the concept of dramaturgy and how people engage in performances in their daily lives.
2. He emphasized the significance of context, suggesting that behavior can change based on the social setting and audience present.
3. Goffman's work has had a significant impact on various fields, including sociology, psychology, and performance studies, helping to frame our understanding of identity as fluid and context-dependent.
4. His insights into stigma, particularly in 'Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity', reveal how societal perceptions can affect individual identity and social interaction.
5. Goffman's ideas about 'facework' highlight how individuals strive to maintain their social image and navigate interpersonal conflicts.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of dramaturgy enhance our understanding of social interactions?
  • Goffman's concept of dramaturgy suggests that social interactions can be viewed as performances where individuals manage impressions to influence how others perceive them. This perspective allows us to understand that our behavior is not fixed but varies depending on context, audience, and setting. By viewing interactions through this lens, we see that individuals take on different roles and adapt their behavior to fit specific social situations.
• In what ways does Goffman's idea of impression management relate to contemporary issues of identity on social media platforms?
  • Goffman's idea of impression management is highly relevant in the context of social media, where individuals curate their online personas to present themselves favorably. Users often engage in selective sharing and editing of content to control how they are perceived by their audience. This digital performance echoes Goffman's notion that people actively shape their identities based on social expectations and feedback, highlighting the interplay between personal authenticity and public perception.
• Evaluate how Goffman's theories apply to the analysis of political speeches as performances.
  • Goffman's theories provide a valuable framework for analyzing political speeches as performances where politicians engage in impression management. They carefully construct their narratives, gestures, and tone to resonate with their audience while maintaining a desired public image. This performance aspect reveals how rhetoric is not merely about conveying information but also about crafting an identity that aligns with political goals. By applying Goffman's concepts, we can better understand how politicians navigate complex social dynamics during speeches and debates.

Related terms

Dramaturgy: A sociological perspective that views social interactions as performances, where individuals present themselves in ways that will be accepted by others.

Impression Management: The process by which individuals attempt to influence how they are perceived by others, often by controlling the information they present.

Front Stage and Back Stage: Concepts used to describe the different contexts in which individuals perform; 'front stage' refers to public performance, while 'back stage' is where individuals can relax and be themselves.