Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his work on the presentation of self in everyday life and social interaction. His theories explore how individuals perform roles based on the social context, emphasizing the importance of framing in communication. Goffman’s insights are fundamental in understanding how individuals manage impressions and navigate various social situations, making his work relevant to the study of communication and media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's most influential work, 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life', introduces the concept of individuals as performers who engage in impression management.
2. He emphasizes that social interactions are structured through various frames that shape how information is perceived and interpreted.
3. Goffman's ideas highlight that individuals adjust their behaviors and self-presentation based on the audience and setting, showcasing the fluidity of identity.
4. He explores the concept of 'front stage' and 'back stage' behaviors, where individuals display different personas in public versus private settings.
5. Goffman's research has significantly influenced fields like sociology, psychology, communication studies, and media theory by providing insights into social dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman’s concept of dramaturgical analysis help us understand social interactions?
  • Goffman's dramaturgical analysis helps us view social interactions as performances where individuals take on specific roles based on their audience. This perspective reveals how people actively manage their impressions to fit different situations, much like actors adapting to their characters in a play. It underscores that our behavior is often context-dependent, shaped by societal expectations and norms.
• Discuss the significance of framing in Goffman's work and its impact on communication.
  • Framing in Goffman's work refers to how individuals and groups construct meaning through various interpretive lenses. By emphasizing that our perceptions are influenced by these frames, Goffman illustrates that communication is not just about content but also about how messages are presented. This has profound implications for media studies, as it reveals how narratives can shape public perception and influence societal attitudes.
• Evaluate the relevance of Goffman’s theories in today's digital communication landscape.
  • Goffman's theories remain highly relevant in today's digital communication environment where impression management is amplified through social media platforms. Individuals curate their online identities much like they would in face-to-face interactions, constantly performing for different audiences. This has led to a new layer of complexity in self-presentation and interaction, as users navigate between authentic representation and idealized portrayals influenced by societal standards.

Related terms

Dramaturgical Analysis: A framework developed by Goffman that likens social interaction to a theatrical performance, where individuals play roles and manage impressions to fit different contexts.

Face-work: The actions taken by individuals to maintain a positive social identity or 'face' during interactions, often discussed in Goffman's studies of social encounters.

Impression Management: The process by which individuals consciously or unconsciously influence the perceptions others have of them, central to Goffman’s theories on social interaction.