The Presentation of Self in Everyday LifeThe key work of one of the most influential sociologists of the twentieth century. Erving Goffman deals with human interaction in social situations using the metaphor of the stage. Role-playing is now recognized as not merely the province of the performer and the maladjusted neurotic, but as an integral and necessary function of daily living. Social techniques of self-presentation are illuminated by examples taken from detailed research and observation of social customs in many regions and a variety of occupational levels. One of the most interesting aspects of this study is its revelation of the many roles that must be assumed by everyone engaged in even the simplest life-situations. In the course of any day one may easily play a half-dozen parts: with the boss, with fellow-workers, with friends, with one's spouse, and so on. Dr. Goffman's analogy details how "acting" techniques are used in the most common everyday circumstances; it bares the mainsprings of manipulation that keep society moving.--From publisher description. |
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Page 120
... embarrassing to hear noises in bed , so I turned my bed the other way round " . . . " I like to read in bed and I'm light of hearing , so it disturbs me to hear them talk " ; or a little inhibiting : " You sometimes hear them say rather ...
... embarrassing to hear noises in bed , so I turned my bed the other way round " . . . " I like to read in bed and I'm light of hearing , so it disturbs me to hear them talk " ; or a little inhibiting : " You sometimes hear them say rather ...
Page 163
... embarrassing but it is less embarrassing if the newcomers backstage have them- selves been maintaining the same kind of show and have been privy to the same destructive information . A misalli- ance is something that brings backstage ...
... embarrassing but it is less embarrassing if the newcomers backstage have them- selves been maintaining the same kind of show and have been privy to the same destructive information . A misalli- ance is something that brings backstage ...
Page 243
... embarrassing way , but the reputation of the doctor , as a doctor and as a man , and also the reputation of the ... embarrassed or a slight chance of being deeply humiliated . Life may not be much of a gamble , but interaction is ...
... embarrassing way , but the reputation of the doctor , as a doctor and as a man , and also the reputation of the ... embarrassed or a slight chance of being deeply humiliated . Life may not be much of a gamble , but interaction is ...
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Common terms and phrases
action activity American ance appearance back region backstage become behavior called cerned character claims client colleague collusion communication conceal convey course crofters cues definition discredit disruptions doctor dramatic dramaturgical dramaturgical perspectives embarrassing employed example expect expressive fact feel filling station formance fostered front region function give given go-between guests Hans Speier illustration important impression impression management individual interaction involves Kenneth Burke kind kitchen maintain means ment middle-class moral observe occur one's participants particular patients Perhaps play position present projected reality refer relaxation role routine secrets servants Shetland Isle Similarly Simone de Beauvoir situation social distance social establishments society Sociology someone sometimes specialist staff stage standards status suggested superordinate sustain tact talk teammates tell tend things tion University of Chicago unpublished vidual