W12.1 May 20th（Monday）JIA YUAN

1、Summary

Drama sociology is a microsociological description that analyzes everyday social interactions through theatrical performativity. Developed by Irving Goffman in his 1956 book Self-Presentation in Everyday Life, he borrows theatrical terms such as "actor," "audience," "front desk," and "backstage" to analyze social behavior. Goffman emphasizes that self-presentation is a dramatic effect produced through interaction, and human identity is expressed through roles and consensus. In this analysis, social interaction is like a stage performance, where individuals present themselves to the audience through impression management and role play. While dramatic sociology offers profound behavioral insights, it also faces some criticisms, such as limitations in understanding rationality and social legitimacy. Drama sociology is a microsociological description that analyzes everyday social interactions through theatrical performativity. Developed by Irving Goffman in his 1956 book Self-Presentation in Everyday Life, he borrows theatrical terms such as "actor," "audience," "front desk," and "backstage" to analyze social behavior. Goffman emphasizes that self-presentation is a dramatic effect produced through interaction, and human identity is expressed through roles and consensus. In this analysis, social interaction is like a stage performance, where individuals present themselves to the audience through impression management and role play. While dramatic sociology offers profound behavioral insights, it also faces some criticisms, such as limitations in understanding rationality and social legitimacy.

2、Interesting place

The sociology of drama is interesting in that it compares everyday life to a stage performance, in which each person plays a different role and presents a different self according to different situations. Goffman's theory reveals how we orchestrate our actions in the "front office" to win the approval of others, while relaxing and revealing our true selves in the "back office." This perspective allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties of social interactions, such as how "masks" and "costumes" shape our public image, and how these performances affect our relationships and social standing.

3、problem

How does the blurring of the line between front and back office in the modern age of social media affect Goffman's theory?



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