In an effort to discredit the sociological “self” as considered from the traditional point of view, Goffman disagrees with its existence by adopting the “Dramaturgical approach of explaining social interaction. He argues that the “self” portrayed by people is an “act” of their actions. The argument emphasizes further that people behave in difference ways depending on the situation in a manner similar to a “play” with the “stage” being the world and them, “actors.” The Goffman's Dramaturgical analysis of social interactions, therefore, base on the “role”, “script”, “stage”, “costumes”, “sets”, “impression management and sincerity”, and “conflict role expectation” (Goffman, 1959). This paper discus an analysis of three personal interactions using the Goffman’s “dramaturgy” by focusing on three social interactions observed in a few days. The analysis is based on how they present the “actor”, “role”, “script” and “stage”. It then proceeds to an in-depth discussion of an analysis of another isolated social interaction using the Goffman’s four variable of dramaturgy.
Over the last few days the three social interactions engaged in include; going for a nature walk with a friends, and going at the mall to meet a long lost friend, attending a birthday party of a friend. The nature walk was an initiative to relax and explore the country side. As a result we organized a long stroll that enabled us walk on foot enjoying the scenery. The long walk required as to be in light sports gear. On the other hand, I had lost contact with the friend six years ago after we relocated to our new home. Being one of my best childhood friends, our reunion played a big role in restarting our relationship as friends. The reunion was enabled through sharing contact with another childhood friends who had both our contacts. The meeting was set at a fast food joint in a mall in town. Finally, The birthday party, on the other hand, was held in one of my friend’s house in the neighborhood. It offered a reunion to most friends. We engaged in fun activities such as singing dancing, cracking jokes. Everyone presented a youthful look.
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Going for a Nature Walk
My friend and I sought to go for a nature walk on the country side so that we can explore it, and relax. Therefore, we set our trip by preparing all the items we need. They included light cloths, water packs and some snacks. The social interaction can be analyzed using the Goffman’s dramaturgy. The analysis focuses on the identification of how I was performing as an “actor”, my “roles”, how the roles were “scripted” and where the location of the “stage”.
My performance as an “actor” in the nature walk was depicted by the change from the usual formal presentation to an athletic/ tourist performance. The nature walk required wearing athletes outfit due to their light nature. The light attire was crucial in handling the tough terrain that we expected to find in the country side. I also acted like a companion to my friend. Given that I was to help in organization and actualization of the nature walk.
On the nature walk I played two main “roles” (a companion) and a (tourist). I was a companion to my friend. As such, the role required me to participate in the trip organization that involved the selection of the site to visit, preparing myself by packing what we would require, providing any relevant information that would make the activity a success such as the choice of dress code. The role of a tourist, on the other hand, was depicted by our choice to explore the country side. It required me to wear light attire more like an athlete, be relaxed and enjoy the scenery like a tourist.
The “script” was not formal; however, it was informally done by our meeting to arrange the activity. In the meeting we set out what we expected of the trip, all the requirement, and responsibilities. The role of being a tourist however obtained its “script” from the societal expectation of a tourist. It required as being relaxed and in an easy mood that allows one to enjoy the natural sceneries.
The nature walk featured one major “front stage”. The sites of the nature walk at the country side. All our rehearsal and props were utilized on that stage. They included presenting ourselves in the correct “costumes”; the light attire, following the “script”( behaving like tourists and one another companion as discussed) and playing our “role” (As a tourist and companion). At the end of the day we considered the day a success and withdrew to the “back stage” by returning home.
Meeting a Friend at the Mall
The meeting of my long-lost friend can be analyzed using the Goffman’s dramaturgy by focusing on how I presented myself as an “actor”, my “role”, how activities were scripted, and the location of the “stage”. I presented myself as an “actor” by playing the role of a date. It required me to present myself in the best possible manner to impress my long lost friend during our proposed date at the mall. As such, I wore a happy face just as we used to be happy together before we lost contact. Whereas we used to be friends, a six years separation would probably have changed our preferences. However, I also presented myself as an actor by accepting to meet in the fast food joint and requesting fries that I used to enjoy then. On the contrary, it turned out that the fast food was not an ideal location. My friend proposed that we move to a fresh fruit juice bar with a terrace and I quickly agreed. I found it amore ideal place for sharing our experiences.
My “role” was that of a date. The role required me to behave like a participant in a date. As such, I kept a warm welcoming face, conforming to my proposed location in the mall, wearing bright colored casual clothing and always engaging my friends in narrations that reminded as about our friend ship and old neighborhood.
The role was not formally “scripted”. However, I had an informal script though my “rehearsal” on the kind of dress I’ll put on. I chose the cloths and tested them a day before the meeting. I also tried to remember what my friend used to love and adjusted myself towards the preferences. Our time at the mall was scripted by the societal expectation of friends.
My “front stage” in the meeting with the friend was at the first food joint and the terrace of the fresh juice bar at the mall. The first “stage” was chosen to reflect our previous preference. It was however evident that both our preference had changed. We both changed to the new “stage”. The terrace to demonstrate our advocacy of detesting junk food as compared to the more nutritious fresh juice. After the meeting we all went back to out “back stage” by resuming our normal life.
Attending a Friend’s Birthday Party
The attendance of a friend’s birthday in their house in the neighborhood can also be analyzed using the Goffman’s dramaturgy. The analysis focuses on the identification of how I was performing as an “actor”, my “roles”, how the roles were “scripted” and the setting of the “stage”. I was performing like an actor in the birthday party by accomplishing my mandate. First, my attandace added up to the “guest” list, an important aspect of the party. Secondly I was dressed in casual dresses to enhance the setting of a party. I was full of joy, outgoing, and full of vigor. All the attributes enhanced the celebration mode of the party. I also accomplished all the responsibilities my other friends that organized the party assigned me. They included, carrying freshly cut roses and booking a professional photographer for the session. The two roles required me to act as a negotiator to get the best deal possible from the service providers.
My main “role” in the birth day party was as a “guest”. The role required me to attend the party. It also demanded that I wear the correct attire and be in the mood of partying. I however acquired other roles such as “being one of the organizers/negotiator” the role required me to book the services of a professional photographer for the party and also bring along some freshly cut rose flowers by negotiating the best deals possible. Finally, my other role was to be as “one of the friends to my friend” having the party. Although the party was of a friend, the role required me to be close-by as a friend and help in any matters arising given that it had attracted different kinds of people, and some were not known to both of us.
The roles were not formally scripted. However, the role of being a guest was informally scripted from the convectional way, guests are supposed to conduct themselves in the American culture. As such, actions like attending the party formed part of the “script”. The role of being one of the organizers was also not formally scripted. However, I was assigned the roles in one of the meeting held before the party. The meeting formed the script of the role because it outlined my duties. Finally, the role of being a friend to friend was also not scripted. Nonetheless, it followed the conventional societal convention that required me to be responsible as a friend given my acquaintance with the host and the place as compared to other participants.
The main “stage” of the social interaction was my neighbors place. It featured most of the action including the “performance” of attending the party. However, my other roles such as booking a professional photographer took me to the studio. It set the studio’s manager office as a stage. In the office I was required to book a photographer specify the location and time and negotiate for the best rates.
An In-Depth Analysis of Going to a Church Service Applying Goffman's Four Variables of Dramaturgy
One of the Sundays I managed to attend a church service in our local church. Being a Sunday the attendance included normal preparation that involved putting on decent clothes, carrying a bible and note book, and attendance in the company of my sibling. The activity can be analyzed using the Goffman’s four variables of dramaturgy. The variable are; civil inattention, impression management, studied non-observance, front stage/ back stage.
I the morning I walk up in my sleeping suit and walk up my sibling. We had breakfast and we agreed to go for the church service that starts at 9:00 AM. As such, we started our preparations by taking a bath, brushing our teeth, and polishing our shoes. My sibling advocated for us to wear official clothing’s. I agreed to the decision and we ironed them to make sure they were free of creases before getting out of the house at a half past eight. I carried my bible, pen notebook, bible and some money. The church is a ten minutes walk from the house.
After walking for about seven minutes, my siblings told me that he had forgotten his bible and pen I encouraged him that we proceed and share mine. However, he insisted to go back and fetch it because he had agreed to share with a friend. I let him go back and proceeded to church. The church service started on time. Fifteen minutes later my sibling arrived. He quietly walked into the church though people were seated. A friend seated next to me glanced at me suggesting that he was to question me about the lateness but I concentrated on the church proceeding. He took a seat several rows ahead behind me. I peaceful followed the proceeding knowing that he was there even without turning to confirm. At the end of the service we greeted a few friends and strangers outside the church before going back home. On arriving home we change into our home wear and continued with our weekend.
Civil Inattention
Civil inattention was demonstrated in the interaction at the church. Although the church was a mixture of people I knew and strangers, our goal was to attend the church service. As such our interaction was reserved. For instance, on arrival at the church, I walk straight in to the church. Though I was seated next to a friend, we did not engage in talking. We reserved our thought including my sibling’s lateness. After the service I also saluted a few friends and strangers then headed home. Whereas they are my friends and believer, the environment was not a social gathering so they reserved their interactions. The stranger were also willing to greet me though we did not engage in a discussion.
Impression Management
The social interaction depicts several instances of impression management. The first instance is demonstrated by the choice of clothes. The official clothes present discipline. The clothes show a clean believer that is keen not to offend others by dressing that seeks attention. My sibling also manages his impression by making sure he goes to fetch his bible so that he cannot disappoint the friend they agreed to share with the bible. The carrying of the bible, notebook, and pen also portrays an attentive believer keen to refer to the bible, and take notes.
Studied Non-Observance
Studied non-observance was demonstrated in the interaction at the point where my sibling came in the church late. The friend sitting next to me looked me in a manner subjecting that I was responsible for the lateness. Although I saw the glance, I concentrated on the church proceeding and the friend withdrew the glance. Had I looked at the glance when my sibling was walking it would have likely lead to embracement.
Front Stage/ Back Stage
The social interaction starts by the two of us being in the “back stage”(at home in aour usual selves). In “the back stage” we have put on sleeping suits. However, as the time for church service approaches we start to prepare and get ready to get to the “front stage”. The preparation involve putting on the “costumes”( the official wear), carrying “propes”(the bible, pens, notebook, and some money) and going to the “front stage”(the actual going to church).I behaved the way church “front stage” goers as supposed to behave by being calm, arriving on time, attending to the church proceeding and taking notes before saluting a few friends in the it forms the “acting”. In the “play” (attending a church service), I took the “role” of a believer and the “script” followed the conventional expectation of a church goers that include being decent, attentive and punctual.
References
Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
