Dramaturgy (sociology)

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Dramaturgy (sociology) is a sociological perspective that uses the metaphor of theatre to explain human behavior and social interactions. This approach was developed by Erving Goffman, a prominent sociologist, in his seminal work The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life published in 1956.

Overview

Dramaturgy views individuals as actors on a stage, performing roles in everyday life. According to this perspective, social life is a series of performances, where individuals manage their impressions in front of others, who are considered the audience. The main components of dramaturgy include the front stage, back stage, performance, setting, appearance, and manner.

Front Stage and Back Stage

The front stage is where the social performance is given, and individuals strive to maintain a certain image or impression. This is the public area where social norms and expectations are upheld. In contrast, the back stage is where individuals can relax and be themselves, away from the public eye. Here, they can drop their societal roles and prepare for future performances.

Performance

A performance in dramaturgy refers to all the activity of an individual in front of a particular set of observers, or audience. It involves the use of various props, costumes, and scripts to convey a desired impression.

Setting

The setting is the physical place where the performance occurs. It includes the scenery, props, and location that help to establish the context of the performance.

Appearance and Manner

Appearance refers to the personal items that signify the performer's social status, such as clothing, accessories, and other physical attributes. Manner refers to the attitudes and behaviors that convey the performer's role to the audience.

Impression Management

A key concept in dramaturgy is impression management, which is the process by which individuals attempt to control the impressions others form of them. This involves the strategic use of self-presentation techniques to influence how one is perceived by others.

Applications

Dramaturgy has been applied to various fields, including social psychology, communication studies, and organizational behavior. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals navigate social interactions and maintain social order.

Criticism

While dramaturgy offers valuable insights into social behavior, it has been criticized for its emphasis on performance and impression management, potentially overlooking deeper structural and power dynamics in society.

See Also

• Symbolic interactionism
• Social constructionism
• Role theory
• Self-concept
• Social identity

Further Reading

• Goffman, Erving. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life.