Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his work on social interaction, particularly his theories about the presentation of self in everyday life. His insights into how individuals manage their identities and the impressions they create have significant implications for understanding language, identity, politeness, and communication in various contexts, including social media. Goffman's work emphasizes how individuals perform roles in different social settings and the importance of maintaining one's 'face' in interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' introduces the concept of self-presentation as a performance, where people adapt their behavior according to the social context.
2. He identified the idea of 'front stage' and 'back stage' behavior, where individuals perform in public while having private moments that reveal their true selves.
3. Goffman emphasized the role of language in shaping identity, suggesting that the way people communicate affects how they are perceived by others.
4. His concepts of face and facework are crucial for understanding politeness strategies in conversations and how individuals navigate social interactions.
5. Goffman's ideas are highly relevant to social media, where users often curate their online identities and engage in impression management to create desired perceptions.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of self-presentation relate to identity formation in social contexts?
  • Goffman's concept of self-presentation suggests that individuals actively manage how they are perceived by others through their behavior and communication styles. In different social contexts, people adapt their identities to align with expectations, using language as a tool for shaping impressions. This performance influences identity formation, as individuals navigate various roles based on the audience and setting, highlighting the dynamic nature of identity in social interactions.
• Discuss the significance of facework in maintaining politeness during interpersonal communications according to Goffman's theories.
  • According to Goffman, facework is essential for maintaining politeness and protecting individuals' social identities during interactions. It involves using strategies to ensure that all parties feel respected and valued, preventing potential conflicts or embarrassment. By managing face effectively, individuals can navigate delicate situations while fostering positive relationships and maintaining harmony within social exchanges.
• Evaluate how Goffman's theories can be applied to understand identity management on social media platforms.
  • Goffman's theories on self-presentation and impression management provide a valuable framework for understanding how users curate their identities on social media. Individuals carefully construct their online personas through selective sharing and editing of content to fit desired narratives. This evaluation reveals the complexities of identity management as users juggle multiple roles across different platforms, often balancing authenticity with societal expectations, thus illustrating the ongoing relevance of Goffman's work in the digital age.

Related terms

Dramaturgical Analysis: A perspective in sociology that compares social interaction to theatrical performance, where individuals present themselves in ways that will be accepted by their audience.

Facework: The strategies used to maintain a person's 'face' or social identity during interactions, ensuring respect and dignity in communication.

Stigma: A social phenomenon where individuals are discredited based on characteristics that are considered undesirable, leading to negative perceptions and discrimination.