The Presentation of Self in Contemporary Social Life

KEY FEATURES: The book provides an overview of Goffman’s dramaturgical approach and many of its fundamental concepts: frames, stigma, definition of the situation, front and back stages, role distance, communication out of character, interaction rituals, etc. Chapters focus on the application and contemporary relevance of this theoretical perspective to different areas of modern life. One entire chapter (Ch. 7) is devoted to the Internet, society’s “newest stage.” Specific applications of dramaturgy include: How businesses and marketers apply theatrical techniques to appeal to and persuade consumers to buy. How digital technologies have produced new forms of interaction and communication, such as catfishing, texting, online dating, and trolling. Fantasy and role-playing activities in everyday life. Impression management in workplaces. The author’s note identifies the chapters in which specific concepts associated with dramaturgical sociology are covered. To facilitate further engagement with these ideas, the book includes a glossary of impression management terms and techniques.