Erving Goffman

Definition

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist known for his work on symbolic interactionism and the presentation of self in everyday life. His theories explore how individuals manage impressions and navigate social interactions, emphasizing the importance of context in communication and the framing of experiences. Goffman's ideas are crucial for understanding how political messages are constructed and interpreted within the realm of political communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goffman's work emphasizes the idea that social interactions are performed in front of an audience, where individuals consciously or unconsciously adjust their behavior based on perceived expectations.
2. His book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' discusses how people use various tactics to shape how others perceive them in different contexts.
3. Goffman's concept of 'face' relates to the idea of maintaining one's social identity and the potential threats to that identity during interactions.
4. He introduced the term 'backstage' to describe private areas where individuals can drop their societal roles and be themselves without the pressure of managing impressions.
5. Goffman's insights into social interactions have significant implications for political communication, as politicians and media shape narratives by framing issues in particular ways to influence public perception.

Review Questions

• How does Goffman's concept of dramaturgical analysis apply to political communication?
  • Goffman's dramaturgical analysis suggests that political figures perform roles to create specific impressions on the public. In this context, politicians present themselves strategically during speeches, debates, or media appearances, similar to actors on a stage. This performance is designed to resonate with audiences and convey a desired image, highlighting how political messaging is often carefully crafted for maximum impact.
• In what ways does impression management play a role in how politicians frame their messages?
  • Impression management is essential for politicians as they seek to control how their messages are received by the public. By carefully choosing language, tone, and visual elements, they can frame issues in ways that align with their political goals. This can involve emphasizing certain aspects of a policy while downplaying others or crafting narratives that resonate emotionally with voters, ultimately shaping public opinion and response.
• Analyze how Goffman's theories on self-presentation might influence voter perception during an election cycle.
  • Goffman's theories highlight that self-presentation significantly affects voter perception during elections. Politicians often craft their public personas based on what they believe voters want to see, using media appearances and campaign strategies to present themselves in a favorable light. This manipulation of self-presentation can lead to skewed perceptions among voters, as they may respond more to the constructed image rather than the actual policies or character of the candidates. The impact of these framed identities can influence voting behavior and electoral outcomes.

Related terms

Dramaturgical Analysis: A framework developed by Goffman that compares social interactions to theatrical performances, where individuals play roles and manage the impressions they convey to others.

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

Framing: The way information is presented and structured, influencing how audiences interpret messages and events in a specific context.