Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his work on the presentation of self in everyday life and the concept of dramaturgy, where social interactions are viewed as performances. His ideas have influenced various fields, including sociology, psychology, and public relations, especially in understanding how individuals manage their identities and how information is framed in social contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's concept of 'the self' is constructed through social interactions, suggesting that our identities are not fixed but rather fluid and influenced by context.
2. He argued that people perform differently depending on their audience, which means they adapt their behavior and presentation to fit various social situations.
3. Goffman's work highlights the importance of context in understanding communication, as different settings can change the meaning of messages.
4. His book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' is foundational in understanding how individuals manage their public personas in everyday situations.
5. Goffman's ideas about stigma illustrate how society labels certain individuals, affecting their identity and interaction with others.

Review Questions

• How does Erving Goffman's concept of dramaturgical analysis help us understand social interactions?
  • Goffman's dramaturgical analysis helps us view social interactions as performances where individuals play roles based on their audience and context. This perspective illustrates that people adapt their behavior and presentation to fit various social settings, akin to actors changing their performance based on the script or setting. By understanding this, we can see how identity is not just a personal attribute but also a social construct influenced by situational factors.
• In what ways does impression management play a role in shaping public relations strategies according to Goffman's theories?
  • Impression management is crucial in public relations as it involves controlling how information is presented to shape public perception. Goffman's theories suggest that organizations must carefully curate their image by selectively presenting information that highlights positive attributes while downplaying negatives. This strategic framing can influence audience perceptions and build relationships, as effective impression management helps maintain a favorable image in a competitive environment.
• Evaluate the impact of Goffman's work on modern understanding of identity and framing in communication.
  • Goffman's work has had a profound impact on modern understandings of identity and framing within communication. By emphasizing that identity is performed and context-dependent, his theories challenge traditional views of a static self. This shift influences how communicators frame messages, as they recognize that audience perceptions can be shaped through strategic presentation. Goffman's insights into stigma also highlight the importance of considering societal labels and their effects on individual identity, making his contributions vital for navigating contemporary issues in public relations and beyond.

Related terms

Dramaturgical Analysis: A framework used by Goffman that likens social interactions to theatrical performances, emphasizing the roles individuals play and how they manage impressions in different social settings.

Impression Management: The process through which individuals attempt to control the perceptions others have of them, often through selective presentation of information and behaviors.

Frame Analysis: A method introduced by Goffman to examine how individuals interpret and organize experiences, particularly in terms of how events and information are presented to influence perception.