The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life – Erving Goffman – 1959
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
Erving Goffman’s The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, first published in 1959, examines the ways individuals consciously and unconsciously shape their behavior to create specific impressions on others. Goffman employs a dramaturgical approach, conceptualizing social interaction as a theatrical performance where individuals are actors on a ‘stage’—any place where social interaction occurs—and employ ‘fronts’ (setting, appearance, and manner) to convey a desired image. He differentiates between ‘frontstage’ behaviors, those performed for an audience, and ‘backstage’ behaviors, which are more relaxed and authentic, occurring when individuals are not being observed.
Historical / Cultural Context
This work arose from a shift in sociological thought during the mid-20th century, moving away from structural functionalism towards a more interpretive and micro-sociological perspective. Goffman, influenced by symbolic interactionism, was interested in understanding how meaning is created and maintained through everyday interactions. The post-war period saw increasing attention to the individual’s experience within society, and Goffman’s work reflected this growing interest. The book was also a response to prevailing psychological theories of personality, which Goffman believed neglected the situated and contextual nature of the self. It came at a time when the study of everyday life, previously considered mundane, began to be recognized as a valuable site for sociological inquiry. His work significantly influenced the development of social psychology and communication studies.
Who This Book Is For
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is relevant to readers interested in sociology, social psychology, communication studies, and anthropology. While academically rigorous, the book is also accessible to general readers interested in understanding the dynamics of social interaction and the complexities of human behavior. Its insights are applicable to everyday life, providing a framework for analyzing one’s own interactions and those of others. It is often used as an introductory text in courses examining social theory and methodology.
Further Reading
- Interaction Ritual: Essays on Face-to-Face Behavior by Erving Goffman: A continuation of Goffman’s exploration of social order and micro-interactions.
- Asylums: Essays on the Social Situation of Mental Patients and Other Inmates by Erving Goffman: An examination of total institutions and how they shape identity.
- Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method by Herbert Blumer: A foundational text outlining the core principles of symbolic interactionism, which heavily influenced Goffman’s work.
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