SOCIOL 2S06 Lecture Notes - Lecture 34: Erving Goffman, Ethnic Stereotype, Shoplifting
20 Feb 2016
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Document Summary
The presentation of self in everyday life (goffman"s book) saw it as interaction between the social actor and the audience. The social actor gives a performance that presents a favourable self. The audience interprets the performance, and may or may not accept the self that is presented. Two basics reason why performances are often successful: The social actor takes measures to help ensure a smooth performance prepares in advance, tries to select a receptive audience, tries to avoid making mistakes in their performance. Sometimes, the audience has a stake in a successful performance. Problematic view of people: according to some, goffman depicted people in a very cynical way and as conniving and selfish; constantly trying to manipulate others to get what they want. E. g. the waiter is trying to get a big tip, etc. Insufficient attention to structure: goffman is paying attention to agency and ignoring structures such as class, status, power etc. affect social interaction.
