This Week We Discussed Dramaturgy That Views All Social Ac

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This week, we discussed the concept of dramaturgy, which views all social actions as similar to a theatrical play. This perspective suggests that individuals perform roles based on social expectations, norms, and contexts just as actors perform characters on stage. The question posed is whether I agree with this theory and whether I am constantly playing roles in every social interaction I engage in, such as driving, using Facebook, being a student, a partner, or other roles throughout my day.

The dramaturgical perspective, originally articulated by sociologist Erving Goffman, posits that social life is akin to a stage play where individuals are actors performing specific roles tailored to their audiences and settings (Goffman, 1959). According to this theory, every social interaction involves a presentation of self, where individuals manage impressions to influence how others perceive them. This aligns with everyday experiences where I consciously or unconsciously adapt my behavior depending on whether I am at work, socializing with friends, or engaging online.

Indeed, I find that much of my social behavior echoes this theatrical model. For example, when I interact on social media platforms like Facebook, I often craft my posts and responses to project a certain image or identity—perhaps emphasizing professionalism or humor, depending on the audience. Similarly, my interactions with family or classmates often involve role-specific behaviors: I am more formal during academic discussions, empathetic when speaking with a friend, and supportive when engaging with a partner. These adaptations suggest that I am performing different roles akin to actors performing in various scenes of a play.

Furthermore, the dramaturgical view emphasizes the importance of context in shaping behavior. The expectations and norms of each social setting influence how roles are enacted. For instance, in a classroom, I adopt the role of a student, which involves listening attentively, participating when appropriate, and demonstrating respect for authority. In contrast, during leisure time with friends, I may adopt a more relaxed, humorous role. This dynamic illustrates how social identities and performances are fluid, and individuals often switch roles to fit different scenarios, thus supporting Goffman’s depiction of social life as a theatrical performance.

However, some critics argue that this view underestimates the authenticity of human interaction, as it implies a manipulative or superficial performance rather than genuine self-expression. Despite this critique, I believe that performance is an intrinsic aspect of social life and that awareness of these roles can foster better understanding and navigation of complex social environments. Recognizing that we perform different roles can promote empathy, as we appreciate the different masks people wear based on their social positions and contexts.

In conclusion, I agree that many social actions resemble theatrical performances, with individuals playing roles suited to their context and audience. This perspective highlights the active, impression-management nature of social life, revealing that much of our everyday interaction involves deliberate or unconscious performances designed to facilitate social cohesion and individual identity. Understanding this can lead to more mindful engagement in social interactions, recognizing the performative elements that shape human behavior.

References

• Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
• Schaupp, L., & Belanger, F. (2014). The effects of social media roles on online self-presentation. Journal of Business Research, 67(9), 1931–1938.
• Collins, R. (2004). Interaction ritual chains. Princeton University Press.
• Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling. University of California Press.
• Goffman, E. (1963). Behavior in Public Places. Free Press.
• York, P. (2017). The dramaturgical perspective: Self-presentation and online identity. New Media & Society, 19(2), 148-164.
• Graham, J., & Nash, C. (2020). Social roles and identity management in digital contexts. Sociology of Health & Illness, 42(5), 985–1002.
• Leary, M. R., & Kowalski, R. M. (1990). impression management: A literature review and two-component model. Psychological Bulletin, 107(1), 34–47.
• Burke, P. J. (1991). Identity processes and social influence. Annual Review of Sociology, 17, 43–67.
• Higgins, E. T. (1987). Self-discrepancy theory: What it is and what it isn’t. Psychological Inquiry, 2(4), 303–310.