Understanding Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory

The video explores Irving Goffman's dramaturgical theory, which likens social interactions to theatrical performances. Goffman suggests that individuals wear masks and play roles based on social contexts, constantly managing their self-presentation. He challenges the notion of a fixed identity, proposing that there is no true self behind the roles we play. The video discusses how people adapt their behavior in different social situations, especially when faced with conflicting roles.

What literary work inspired Goffman's view of life as a stage?

• Macbeth

• As You Like It

• Romeo and Juliet

• Hamlet

According to Goffman, what do individuals use to present themselves in different situations?

• Costumes

• Masks

• Scripts

• Props

What is a key concern for individuals when enacting roles, according to Goffman?

• Finding the right stage

• Choosing the right costume

• Setting themselves in the best light

• Memorizing lines

In what type of situations do people struggle with role consistency?

• Professional meetings

• Awkward situations

• Casual gatherings

• Formal events

What challenge arises when encountering friends from different social groups?

• Choosing a meeting place

• Juggling different masks

• Finding common topics

• Remembering names

What does Goffman suggest about the existence of a true self?

• It is easily identifiable

• It is an illusion

• It is hidden behind roles

• It is fixed and unchanging

What does Goffman challenge about individual identity?

• Its adaptability

• Its uniqueness

• Its fixed nature

• Its complexity

Which of Goffman's works is mentioned in the context of his theory?

• Stigma

• Frame Analysis

• The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

• Interaction Ritual