Everyday Life Goffman Analysis
Goffman: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
Goffman dissects the meaning and practice of direct interaction, using “dramaturgical” tools and claims that
“The entire world is a stage, and we but merely players".
Introduction
Goffman lays out the basic elements of the argument. In micro-interactions, every person sends two signals: those they "give" and those they "give off"
"The expressiveness of the individual appears to involve two radically different kinds of sign activity: the expression that he gives, and the expression that he gives off" (p.2)
That which we give is usually the things we say: our verbal signs. That which we "give off" are usually the non-verbal cues that help to situate and verify the things we say. …show more content…
The demonstrate that while a performer may act as if his response in a situation were immediate, unthinking and spontaneous, and while he himself may think this to be the case, still it will always be possible for situation to arise win which he will convey to one or two persons present the understanding that he show he is maintaining g is only and merely a show." (p.,169)
There are many types of these communications. Goffman gives us detailed treatment of 4:
1. Treatment of the Absent:
a) Derogatory treatment of the audience, when not performing. Speaking bad about the audience when you go back-stage, nicknames, etc.
Note that this type of thing is looked down on by management, as it invariable seeps into the face-to-face contact of performance.
2. Staging Talk: Discussing how to stage the performance. Also discussions of what the other team members are doing (gossip). The "talk about the talk"
3. Team Collusion: Whispers with other team members give away the game: i.e. that it is a game. Also secret team signals, and "staging cues." The most often seen type if between a performer and himself: school kids crossing their fingers when they tell a lie.
4. Realigning Actions: Movements around, or over, or away from the line between teams. Such as unofficial grumbling, guarded disclosure, and
Goffman dissects the meaning and practice of direct interaction, using “dramaturgical” tools and claims that
“The entire world is a stage, and we but merely players".
Introduction
Goffman lays out the basic elements of the argument. In micro-interactions, every person sends two signals: those they "give" and those they "give off"
"The expressiveness of the individual appears to involve two radically different kinds of sign activity: the expression that he gives, and the expression that he gives off" (p.2)
That which we give is usually the things we say: our verbal signs. That which we "give off" are usually the non-verbal cues that help to situate and verify the things we say. …show more content…
The demonstrate that while a performer may act as if his response in a situation were immediate, unthinking and spontaneous, and while he himself may think this to be the case, still it will always be possible for situation to arise win which he will convey to one or two persons present the understanding that he show he is maintaining g is only and merely a show." (p.,169)
There are many types of these communications. Goffman gives us detailed treatment of 4:
1. Treatment of the Absent:
a) Derogatory treatment of the audience, when not performing. Speaking bad about the audience when you go back-stage, nicknames, etc.
Note that this type of thing is looked down on by management, as it invariable seeps into the face-to-face contact of performance.
2. Staging Talk: Discussing how to stage the performance. Also discussions of what the other team members are doing (gossip). The "talk about the talk"
3. Team Collusion: Whispers with other team members give away the game: i.e. that it is a game. Also secret team signals, and "staging cues." The most often seen type if between a performer and himself: school kids crossing their fingers when they tell a lie.
4. Realigning Actions: Movements around, or over, or away from the line between teams. Such as unofficial grumbling, guarded disclosure, and