Self · Self-presentation · Social psychology
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life by Erving Goffman — Summary, Key Ideas & Quotes
1952255 pages✦ 3-min Big ideas★ 3.9 (11)
Rate it
What is The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life about?
A notable contribution to our understanding of ourselves. This book explores the realm of human behavior in social situations and the way that we appear to others. Dr. Goffman uses the metaphor of theatrical performance as a framework. Each person in everyday social intercourse presents himself and his activity to others, attempts to guide and control the impressions they form of him, and employs certain techniques in order to sustain his performance, just as an actor presents a character to an audience. The discussions of these social techniques offered here are based upon detailed research and observation of social customs in many regions.
A glimpse inside
Life as Performance
Goffman introduces the concept of dramaturgy, comparing everyday social interactions to theatrical performances. He argues that in every social situation, individuals play roles, consciously or unconsciously managing how they appear to others. This perspective suggests that much of what we consider 'authentic' behavior is actually a carefully curated performance designed to fit social expectations and achieve desired outcomes.
Front Stage and Back Stage
A central idea is the distinction between 'front stage' and 'back stage' behavior. On the front stage, people perform for an audience, adhering to social norms and expectations. In the back stage, individuals relax these performances, revealing aspects of themselves that are hidden in public. This duality explains why people often act differently in private versus public settings, and how managing these spaces is crucial to social life.
Ratings at a glance
Open Library
★ 3.9 / 5
11 ratings
✦
Get smart in 3 min
6 key ideas, distilled
- 1Life as Performance
- 2Front Stage and Back Stage
- 3Impression Management
- 4Teams and Collusion
- 5Stigma and Discredited Performances
Popular quotes from The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
“When an individual appears before others his actions will influence the definition of the situation which they come to have.”
“In everyday life, as on the stage, the individual may be sincerely convinced that the impression of reality which he stages is the real reality.”
More by Erving Goffman
Frequently asked
A notable contribution to our understanding of ourselves. This book explores the realm of human behavior in social situations and the way that we appear to others. Dr. Goffman uses the metaphor of theatrical performance as a framework. Each person in everyday social intercourse presents himself and his activity to others, attempts to guide and control the impressions they form of him, and employs