Microsociology & the Theory of interaction Ritual Flashcards
Durkheim’s theory of religion and ritual
His study of primitive religion pointed to ritual as the source of solidarity in all societies.
What is society according to Durkheim’s theory of religion and ritual
Society is the reality behind the sacred symbols to which rituals are performed.
It has power over one’s: – physical life, inherited artifacts and institutions, self-identity and consciousness
Goffman’s Interaction Rituals
Goffman believed that sociologists needed to concern themselves with seemingly trivial aspects of social behavior.
Deference
The signs of respect we are supposed to give to other selves
Avoidant deference
Respect shown to others by not doing certain things (i.e staring, personal space, etc)
Presentational deference
Respect showing by positively doing certain things (i.e offering greetings, complimenting, showing gratitude etc)
Demeanor
The ways we are supposed to present our own selves to others.
Includes how we dress, speak, behave etc. Expectations may vary!
What is nonverbal communication?
the conveyance of information and meanings through facial expressions, gestures, and bodily movements
Gestures are more culturally variable
What can nonverbal communication do?
Nonverbal cues can add to, replace, or contradict verbal communication.
Goffman on nonverbal communication
There is information we give and information we give off
Goffman’s concepts
Impression management, focused and unfocused interaction, dramturgical perspective, audience segregation etc
Impression management
Goffman argued that individuals present them self based on the perceived audience in their front stage.
Self identity comes from that
Focused interaction
when individuals directly attend to what others say or do.
aka as an encounter
Unfocused Interaction
whenever individuals exhibit awareness of one another’s presence.
non direct interaction; co-presence
Dramaturgical Perspective
similar to impression management but is moreso how you act.
Presentation of oneself.
