Interaction Ritual by Erving Goffman - 1369 Words

Introduction Erving Goffman (1922-1982) held the position of Benjamin Franklin Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as President of the American Sociological Association in the year leading up to his death in 1982. Goffman is considered as the pioneer of the study of face-to-face interaction and has made a substantial contribution to micro-sociology. He is recognised as a major figure in the symbolic interaction perspective. In 2007 he was listed as the sixth most cited author in the humanities and social sciences (The Times Higher Education Guide, 2007). ‘On face-work’ is Goffman’s first essay from his book entitled ‘Interaction Ritual: Essays on Face-to-face Behavior’ which†¦show more content†¦Goffman defines terms such as ‘line’ and discusses some of the impressions that we as individuals are expected to live up to. One of the main themes this work addresses is interaction order, which was Goffman’s starting point for his analysis. Goffman examines the procedures which are associated with the order of interaction and the ways in which we interact to maintain face. He also dissects face-to-face encounters. His analysis is carried out from a dramaturgical perspective. The text uses language that is comprehensible and it is organised in a logical manner making it easy to follow. The work is separated into sections using sub-headings which clearly identify the themes being discussed. Footnotes appear frequently giving further explanations of points being made and also direct us to sources with added information. This work provides us with an excellent understanding of how we as individuals present ourselves to others when interacting in our daily lives. Analysis Social interaction is a central theme in sociology and society results from these interactions. Goffman’s essay on face-work provides its reader with a clear and concise explanation of social interaction. The author illustrates how face-to-face interaction generates emotions that form the foundations of social life. The theoretical framework he uses is micro-sociology and his analysis takes on a dramaturgical perspective. Goffman introduced the metaphor of ‘life as aShow MoreRelatedErving Goffmans Insight on Face- Work in His Essays on Face-to-face Behavior629 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction Erving Goffman (1922-1982) held the position of Benjamin Franklin Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as President of the American Sociological Association in the year leading up to his death in 1982.Goffman is considered as the pioneer of the study of face-to-face interaction and has made a substantial contribution to microsociology. His works are frequently cited throughout literature. On face-work is Goffman’s first essay from hisRead MoreGoffman s Theory Of Sociology And Anthropology1549 Words   |  7 PagesNovember 2014 Erving Goffman INTRODUCTION Erving Goffman was born in Mannville, Alberta on June 11, 1922. He was born to his Ukrainian Jewish parents, Max and Ann. They were part of the Ukrainians that migrated to Canada between 1897 and 1914. He and his sister, Frances, were raised in Dauphin, near Winnipeg. Goffman attended St. John’s Technical High School. He showed an interest in chemistry and went on to study chemistry at the University of Manitoba in 1939. In 1943 and 1944 Goffman worked at theRead MoreThe Social Facts Of Everyday Life Essay1362 Words   |  6 Pagesof many macro sociological ideas. By looking at the big picture of interactions between individuals and groups and how these are constructed by these social facts. However do these social facts, the big ideas of sociology, have any place in micro sociology and specifically the sociology of everyday life? Currently it is widely believed that these concepts have little place in a school of thought that purely focuses on the interaction that takes place between individuals and groups, whether this involvesRead MoreAn Analysis Of Emile Durkheim s Theory Of Religion And The Moral Foundation Of Society1180 Words   |  5 Pagesindividuals† (Collins, 211.) By proving that â€Å"religion is the moral foundation of society† simply shows the dire need of religion in order to live. As a result of following any religion comes a consistent ritual, no matter what steps it consists of and a link to social interaction. According to Durkheim, rituals are instrumental in the process of providing concepts or ideas that directly echo the structure of society (Collins, 212.) Durkeim’s original beliefs still apply to the structure of society todayRead MoreEssay on Dramaturgical Analysis1185 Words   |  5 Pages1600, but Erving Goffman truly defined the phrase with his dramaturgical theory. Dramaturgical analysis is the study of social interaction in terms of theatrical performance. Unlike actors though, who use a script telling them how to behave in every scene, real life human interactions change depending upon the social situation they are in. We may have an idea of how we want to be perceived, and may have the foundation to make that happen. But we cannot be sure of every interaction we will haveRead MoreSocial Order (Foucault and Goffman)1463 Words   |  6 Pagessocial order, applied to social sciences, and embodied in everyday life. It w ill compare and contrast a Canadian sociologist, Erving Goffman, and a French philosopher, Michel Foucault. Through an analysis of these two figures, the text will present different ways of looking at social ordering and individuals place in a human society. Firstly, it will be shown how Goffman and Foucault approach the subject of social order, finding patterns of behaviour in micro and macro-social realities. SecondlyRead MoreAnalysis Of George Herbert Mead s The Guests On The Show 1115 Words   |  5 Pages 1 / 2 Welcome to radio 350 todays radio show is entitled, Self and Society. The guests on the show include: George Herbert Mead, W.E.B. Du Bois, Erving Goffman, and Anthony Giddens. The purpose of the show for today is to provide the listening audience with a clear understanding of how each of these authors have contributed to our understanding of the relationship between self and society. What kinds of questions and issues animated their research? What were they trying to demonstrate? Where doesRead MoreGoffmans Theory on Total Institutions1714 Words   |  7 PagesRunning Head: ERVIN GOFFMAN Goffmans Theory Elaine Tyler SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology Instructor: Jeremy Baker July 8, 2013 ERVIN GOFFMAN Goffmans Theory on Total Institutions We interact with a variety of people on a regular basis who influence our behavior but who are not family or friends. Many of these people we encounter because of their roles within particular social institutions with which we interact. They are part of our secondary group members; their opinionsRead MoreErving Goffman Focuses on Form of Social Interaction2737 Words   |  11 PagesExamine the view that Erving Goffman’s work focuses on forms of social interaction but ignores social structure. Erving Goffman was born on the 11th June 1922 in Mannville, Canada. In 1939, Goffman enrolled at the University of Manitoba where he pursued an undergraduate degree in chemistry; however he then took an interest for sociology while working temporarily at the National Film Board in Ottawa. This was the motivation that he then needed to go on and enrol at the University of Toronto whereRead MoreWhat is Social Order? Essay examples1248 Words   |  5 Pages This essay will compare and contrast two social science views about the ordering of social life. It will look at what social order is and how it effects our daily lives and explore the differences and similarities between the work of Erving Goffman and Michel Foucault. It will consider Buchanan’s and Monderman’s views on ordering public space to highlight Goffman’s focus on the way individuals interact with each other and Foucault’s emphasis on authoritative knowledge by authorities or experts.