Erving Goffman's dramaturgical model is a sociological theory that focuses on how people interact in everyday life as if they were on a theatrical stage. Goffman, a prominent Canadian sociologist, developed this theory in his seminal work "The Presentation of the Person in Everyday Life" published in 1959.
Background and context
Before delving into the details of Goffman's dramaturgical model, it is important to understand the context in which this theory emerged. Goffman was inspired by sociology's interest in understanding social interactions and how people construct and maintain their identities in various environments. Its focus on face-to-face interaction and the idea that people play social roles as actors on a stage provided a new perspective for analyzing social life.
Key Concepts
To fully understand Goffman's dramaturgical model, it is essential to become familiar with some key concepts that make up his theory:
1. Setting
Goffman uses the metaphor of the theatrical stage to describe the environments in which social interactions take place. According to his theory, everyday life resembles a theatrical performance in which individuals play roles in front of an audience. Scenarios can vary depending on the context, such as home, work, school, or any place where social interactions occur.
2. Acting
In Goffman's dramaturgical model, people play social roles based on the expectations of the situation in which they find themselves. These roles can be played consciously or unconsciously, and people adapt their behavior to manage the impression they want to make on others. Goffman distinguishes between the "facade" (the public image we present) and the "rear" (the true identity we hide).
3. Team
Goffman introduces the concept of "team" to refer to the elements used by people to support their actions and maintain the coherence of their public image. This equipment may include clothing, body language, facial expression, tone of voice, and other devices that contribute to the representation of the social role. The team helps sustain the excitement of the performance and guide social interactions.
4. Audience
In Goffman's dramaturgical model, people interact with an "audience" that observes and evaluates their performance. The audience can be made up of real or imagined individuals, and their presence influences the way people present their social roles. Audience expectations shape the way a performance is carried out and can cause changes in the behavior of actors.
Implications and criticisms
Goffman's dramaturgical model has had a significant impact on the field of sociology and the understanding of social interactions. Some of its most notable implications include:
1. Microsociological Analysis
Goffman focuses on face-to-face interactions and the details of everyday social life, which has contributed to the development of microsociological analysis. Its focus on gestures, facial expressions, personal space, and other aspects of nonverbal communication has led to greater understanding of how social relationships are built and maintained.
2. Construction of identity
Goffman's dramaturgical model highlights the idea that people construct their identity through the representation of social roles. This approach has generated reflections on the fluid and performative nature of identity, as well as the importance of social interaction in defining who we are.
3. Criticisms of the model
Despite its influence, Goffman's dramaturgical model has also received criticism. Some scholars argue that the theatrical metaphor can oversimplify the complexity of social interactions and that the model does not take into account the role of social structures and power systems in the construction of social reality.
Practical applications
Goffman's dramaturgical model has been applied in various fields, from social psychology to communication and organizational management. Some of the most relevant practical applications include:
1. Nonverbal Communication
Goffman's focus on gestures, facial expressions, and other aspects of nonverbal communication has been useful in the study of human interaction and in improving interpersonal communication skills. Understanding how messages are conveyed through body language can improve communication and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
2. Impression Management
The concept of "impression management" derived from Goffman's dramaturgical model has been used in work and social contexts to refer to the strategies that people use to influence perception that others have of them. Knowing how to manage impressions can be useful in projecting a positive image and achieving personal and professional goals.
3. Marketing and advertising
In the field of marketing and advertising, Goffman's dramaturgical model has been used to understand how brands and organizations can present an attractive and persuasive image to their audiences. The idea that people act as consumers on a stage has influenced the design of emotional marketing strategies and the creation of effective advertising campaigns.
In conclusion, Erving Goffman's dramaturgical model offers a perspective innovative about social interactions and the construction of identity in everyday life. Through the theatrical metaphor, Goffman invites us to reflect on how we play roles, manage impressions and relate to others in a social scenario in constant movement.