SOC388 - 5. Goffman Flashcards
Dramaturgical Approach
Social life like the theatre
Enacting certain identity we want to portray to others
Dramaturgical Approach
We need a costume to project to others – speak, dress, move in a cetain way
Who we really are is never evident to others unless we convey a certain impression
Impression Management
We manage impression we give to others
Personna: mask worn by actors
Small scale interaction
Impression Management
How we manage interaction with others
Social order within a group
Everyday life is relatively easy because of social scripts – predictable behaviour
Impression Management
If it feels easy, but those interactions are fragile
It is important to keep them strong and prevent them from breaking
Definition of the Situation
Small situations = Short term interactions
We know there certain kinds of gestures, behaviours as indicators
Save us from embarassment in not knowing what’s going on
Knowing this makes life easier
Definition of the Situation
Script: basic scripts but we improvise
Situation is often defined for us: we have to agree with it
Usually the one with more power has more control over the situation
Definition of the Situation
We make choices: sometimes it’s not worthwhile to fight the situation
W. I. Thomas: If men define situations as real then they are real in their consequences
Definition of the Situation
Sometimes things have consequences even if they aren’t real to you
If race doesn’t matter to you, but it matters to others, there are still consequences
By in large we are to agree so we keep things easy and smooth
Dramatic Realization
We have to realize dramatically who we are
We need to put on a persona, costume, to convey impression we want
Dramatic Realization
Diff in diff situation based on expectations warranted by the context
You always have a role + there are expectations, so we are always managing that impression
Dramatically make identity real
Front Stage/Backstage
Spaces where we put our guard down
Backstage: guard down and not have to be doing much dramatic realization
Whether it’s backstage or frontstage is relational
Frame Interaction
Limit, parameter - Frame matters
Can look at it altogether or frame by itself
Performing a function: limit, giving meaning by presenting the context
Frame Interaction
Definitions of situations are built in accordance with principles of organization that govern events of our subjective involvement in them
Frame Interaction
Principles of organization: what determines, beginning, end and middle of situation
Frame analysis: organization of experiences
How individuals experience events
Personal Identity
With every role there are obligations because there are expectations
Right to be treated a certain way – expectations on your side too
Personal Identity
Personal identity + definition of situation are related in interaction
Has certain roles ppl must follow
Definition of the Situation
Normative pattern because situations are normally predefined
Sometimes interactions break down: Embarrassment
Embarassment
Tend to see it as psychological
Deeply embedded in social situations + physical spaces
Embarassment spreads: Disrupts our interaction when expectations are not met
Embarassment
Breakdown with either personal identity or definition of the situation
Unfulfilled expectations
Embarassment
Not about breach of moral expectations
Expectations relevant to embarassment are relative to morals
Embarassment
Moral because we have failed to fulfill obligations
Varies across cultures
Worse in some cultures than others
Projected Identity
Has to do with roles Screwed up role – not knowing answer in your expertise As a prof, should know goffman, as a friend, don’t need to be an expert Everyone in the class would feel uncomfortable
Tact
Pretend it didn’t happen – saving face
Pretend not to notice
