structures, Habitus, Dramaturgy Goffman's dramaturgical approach posits that social life is akin to a theatrical performance, where individuals manage their impressions in various social settings, using props and stages to create desired perceptions.
Aim of performance = dramatic realisation + idealisation.
'Good performance', consistency between mannerism, performance, + setting/stage.
'Back stage' illusions and impressions are openly constructed.
There is no performance without a stage.
There is no performance without an audience
Sociology - how are identities formed?
Reveals flexibility of self.
Counteracts determinism of sociological tradition.
Sheds light on techniques we are little aware of in producing selves.
George Herbert Mead(1863-1931)
Shape interactions in every day life.
Generalisable others: social positions, not individuals, e.g doctor, customer, etc.
Significant others: e.g family, boyfriend, tutor.
We carry on a whole seriesof different relationship to different people.
Develops as individuals as a result of social experiences
Self is not a given
Erving Goffman (1922-1983)
We are our own branding company.
Props and stage. As if we're acting.
Dramaturgical approach,performance = drama.
Impression management
Face to face interaction
Identity is...
identities are relational and contextual
embedded in power relations
social
relational
HABITUS
Even though we may think of ourselves as individuals, we are still strongly influenced.
and ... different habitus do have different symbolic values.
The body and its dispositions carry markers of social construct. Most indisputable materialism of socialstructures (particularly class) is habitus.
Habitus is not just a habit. Habitus is 'history turned into nature', and it is also unconscious, we do itnaturally.
Habitus will tell us something about the class structure. How we behave, look, and what our tastes are.Not social roles as such.
'A system of lasting transposable dispositions, which, integrating past experiences, functions at everymoment as a matrix of perceptions, appreciations, and actions makes possible the achievement ofinfinintely diversified tasks.
Dispositions
'Habitus' Pierre Bourdieu(1930-2002)
Is there more to performance than merely reflecting a social role?
STRENGTHS
Situatates everyday interaction within wider systems of social relations.
Acknowledges significance of social structures in shaping every day practices.