KhizooologyThe Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
Social behavior depends partly on the audience and setting.
Big Idea
Goffman uses theatrical performance as a framework for examining how people manage impressions in ordinary social encounters.
Front stage
People present conduct suited to an audience and situation.
Back stage
Other settings allow preparation or behavior that does not belong in the public performance.
Roles
A setting helps establish what participants expect from one another.
Teams
People can coordinate to maintain a shared impression.
Metaphor boundary
Performance does not mean every interaction is deceitful or that a person has no sincere commitments.
Notooo Take
Notice how the setting changes what participants feel expected to display.
One Thing to Keep
Social behavior depends partly on the audience and setting.