Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his contributions to the understanding of self-presentation and identity in social interactions. He explored how individuals manage their public personas and the implications of these performances in various contexts, particularly focusing on the concept of 'dramaturgy,' where life is viewed as a stage and people are actors. His ideas have been instrumental in analyzing how virtual identities are constructed and maintained in the digital age.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' is foundational in understanding how individuals navigate social interactions and construct their identities.
2. He emphasized the importance of context in shaping self-presentation, suggesting that individuals adapt their behaviors based on the audience they are engaging with.
3. Goffman's work highlighted how digital platforms serve as new stages for self-presentation, allowing users to curate their virtual identities distinct from their real-life selves.
4. His concept of 'front stage' and 'back stage' behavior illustrates how individuals manage their public and private selves differently depending on their social settings.
5. Goffman's insights into stigma reveal how societal perceptions can influence an individual's self-image and interactions with others, especially relevant in discussions about online personas.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of dramaturgy relate to virtual identity in social media?
  • Goffman's concept of dramaturgy suggests that life is akin to a stage where individuals perform different roles based on their audience. In the context of social media, users craft their virtual identities by curating content that reflects desired traits or lifestyles. This performance can lead to a disconnection between one's online persona and authentic self, highlighting the complexities of managing multiple identities across different platforms.
• Discuss the role of impression management in Goffman's theories and its relevance in today's digital communication.
  • Impression management is central to Goffman's theories, as it involves individuals strategically presenting themselves to shape how they are perceived by others. In today's digital communication, this is particularly relevant as users often curate their online profiles, photos, and posts to create favorable impressions. The pressure to maintain a specific image can lead to heightened anxiety and authenticity concerns among individuals navigating online spaces.
• Evaluate Goffman's notion of stigma and its implications for identity formation in virtual environments.
  • Goffman's notion of stigma sheds light on how certain attributes can affect an individual's identity and social interactions. In virtual environments, individuals may face stigma based on aspects like appearance or lifestyle choices. This can lead to the creation of alternative identities online where users may either hide these stigmas or embrace them in communities that offer acceptance. Evaluating this notion helps understand the complexities of identity formation in an increasingly connected yet judgmental digital landscape.

Related terms

Dramaturgy: A sociological perspective developed by Goffman that compares social interactions to a theatrical performance, where individuals present themselves in ways that will be accepted by their audience.

Stigma: A concept introduced by Goffman referring to an attribute that is deeply discrediting, which can affect a person's identity and how they are perceived by society.

Impression Management: The process by which individuals attempt to control the perceptions others have of them through their behavior, appearance, and communication.