Erving Goffman's concept of Dramaturgy provides a logical analogy to the nature of human interaction that society consists of. People participate in social interactions from the time they first understand that other people exist. During each encounter, a certain understanding of the significance or meaning of the interaction is observed and exchanged which provide the basis for the meaning of future interactions. Individuals assume various roles in the interactions that they are acting in the same way a theatrical stage actor might approach a role depicted in a play. The clothing or attire individuals wear serve the same purpose a thespian wears a costume, to project a believable persona or self to the audience. Individuals will choose a setting that is conducive to the goal of an interaction which provides the setting that will cause a successful outcome to a given performance. Mannerisms provide individuals with visual cues that help actors portray their "selves" to the persons they are trying to communicate with. Individual actors may be sincere or deceiving in the the performance given during social interactions.
Are you consciously aware of yourself performing like an actor in everyday societal interactions?
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I have a doubt when it comes to this concept of dramaturgy. Is Goffman saying that all acts are fake?
ReplyDeleteYes I believe I’m aware of myself performing like an actor in everyday societal interactions, and I think I am sure of this because of the fact that I believe everything has consequences, if life wasn’t like that I could go ahead and kick people in the face or just not go to class ever, or crushing my car with another car and do fun stuff but social facts make me aware that we live in a functional society and that everything has consequences, therefore I decide to act in accordance to society which would embrace the idea of me ‘acting’ in everyday societal interactions.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that we are consciously aware of performing like an actor in everyday societal interactions. I believe in Goffman's theory of dramaturgy were we are always acting in everything that we do. We sometimes must act according to the set rules of society. It must be an uncouncious set of mind that guides our acts into reality which is what we have known all of our life's ever since we were growing up we are a product of society.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Goffman, i do think that we want to present a scence of self that will be accepted by the audience. We have to act according to the circumstances. We don’t act he same when we are with our friends, than when we are with our boss. For example when a guy is going to meet his girlfriend’s parents he has to act different, and dress different than what he usually wears. He has to wear a costume that her parents would accept. He also has to act with manners to present a good image about him. And in every situation of our lives different costumes are necessary.
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