Dramaturgical Model

Question 1

Who created the dramaturgical model?

Answer 1

Goffman

Question 2

How does the dramaturgical theory differ from labelling theory?

Answer 2

Goffman describes how we actively construct our ‘self’ by manipulating other’s impression of us, instead of the self being shaped trough interaction.

Question 3

Why is Goffman’s model described as dramaturgical?

Answer 3

• He uses analogies with drama as a framework for analysing social interaction
• e.g. We’re all ‘actors’, acting out a ‘script’, using ‘props’, resting ‘backstage’ between ‘performances’, we present to our ‘audiences’
• Our aim is to carry out a convincing performance performance of the role we’ve adopted

Question 4

What are the 2 concepts to explain how we manipulate the way others see us?

Answer 4

• Impression management
• Roles

Question 5

What is impression management?

Answer 5

• We must control the impression our performance gives
• Involves studying our audience to see how they respond, and we then monitor and adjust our performance to present a convincing image

Question 6

What are techniques for impression management?

Answer 6

• We use language, tone of voice, gestures and props and settings
• By using these techniques skillfully, we can pass for the kind of person we want our audience to believe we are

Question 7

What are roles?

Answer 7

• There’s a role distance between our real self and our roles.
• Roles are only loosely scripted by society and we have freedom in how we play them
• Role distance suggests we don’t always believes in the roles we play and the actor manipulates audience into accepting an impression that hides their true self and motives

Question 8

Give evaluation for the dramaturgical model (Marxism criticism)

Answer 8

• Goffman’s approach can be used to criticise Marxist views
• e.g. Marxism argues that schools socialise children to accept authority and hierarchy to prepare them for exploitation. Goffman suggests children act out this acceptance to get through school easily, while backstage, they think school isn’t important and might not accept authority
• Rather than being controlled by institutions, individuals are exploring roles and controlling others

Question 9

Give evaluation for the dramaturgical model (methods)

Answer 9

• Goffman’s approach emphasises the value of interpretivist aims.
• Goffman argues that if we want to understand people, we need to engage in participant-observation to get back-stage, as we only see their true feelings when they stop performing.
• Ensures high levels of validity and deep understanding of behaviour