Erving Goffman
Sociologist, writer, academic
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Q: What are some of Erving Goffman's major works?
A: Some of Erving Goffman's major works include "The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life," "Asylums," "Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity," and "Frame Analysis."
Q: What is Erving Goffman's theory of dramaturgy?
A: Erving Goffman's theory of dramaturgy suggests that individuals are like actors on a stage, constantly performing and managing their self-presentation to "audiences" in their social interactions.
Q: What is the concept of "impression management" in Goffman's work?
A: Impression management refers to the strategies and techniques individuals use to create specific impressions of themselves in the eyes of others. Goffman argues that individuals strategically manipulate their behavior, appearance, and spoken words to create desired impressions.
Q: What is Goffman's understanding of the term "face"?
A: In Goffman's work, "face" refers to the social value a person claims for themselves while interacting with others. It involves the positive social attributes and self-worth a person wants to project to maintain a desired image.
Q: What is the significance of Goffman's concept of "total institution"?
A: The concept of a "total institution" in Goffman's work refers to a place where individuals are completely immersed in a particular social role and live under the strict control and authority of a specialized staff. Examples include prisons, mental hospitals, and military training camps.
Q: What is the difference between "frontstage" and "backstage" behavior in Goffman's theory?
A: "Frontstage" behavior refers to the way people behave in public settings or in front of an audience, deliberately managing their self-presentation. On the other hand, "backstage" behavior refers to behavior that occurs in private settings, where individuals can be more relaxed and show their true selves.
Q: What is Goffman's concept of "stigma"?
A: In Goffman's work, "stigma" refers to a trait or characteristic that causes an individual to be socially discredited or devalued. He explores how individuals with stigmatizing attributes navigate their interactions and manage their identities.
Q: How does Goffman define the term "frame"?
A: Goffman defines "frame" as an interpretive schema or framework through which individuals make sense of a situation. Frames shape how individuals perceive and interpret their social interactions, guiding their understanding of what is happening and how to behave.
Q: What is the concept of "spoilage" in Goffman's work?
A: The concept of "spoilage" in Goffman's work refers to the negative impact of stigma on an individual's identity and self-esteem. Spoilage occurs when a person's stigmatized attribute or behavior contradicts the desired social expectations and norms.
Q: How has Goffman influenced the field of sociology?
A: Erving Goffman's ideas and concepts have had a significant impact on the field of sociology. His work on the presentation of self, stigma, social interaction, and the role of institutions has influenced research in areas such as identity, social psychology, and symbolic interactionism.