W4.2: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life-GUO YING

 1. How much I have read

Currently, I haven’t read the entire book, but I have read the first three chapters, particularly the sections on the concepts of “frontstage” and “backstage,” as well as how he describes how we manage others’ perceptions of us through our behavior in daily life. By reading these sections, I have gained a deeper understanding of Goffman’s theory of social interaction and have begun to reflect on my own behavioral patterns in daily life.

2. Is it difficult?

I find some of the theories proposed in this book interesting, especially the way Goffman uses the analogy of social interactions as theatrical performances. His ideas have given me a fresh perspective on interpersonal communication. In today’s society, our actions are often influenced by public evaluation and expectations. Goffman points out that when we present ourselves on the “front stage,” we are driven by the attention of others and societal expectations, whereas in the “backstage,” we show our true selves. Through this metaphor, Goffman reveals the seemingly ordinary yet complex mechanisms of social interaction in daily life. For me, the theories in the book have helped me understand how I “perform” in different situations. For example, I might present a completely different side of myself when interacting with friends than I do in the workplace. By understanding the concepts of “front stage” and “backstage,” I’ve realized that whether it’s our attire, words, gestures, facial expressions, or body language, our behavior and attitudes are constantly being adjusted, either consciously or unconsciously, to fit different social environments.

3. Is it interesting?

Some of the theories in this book are quite abstract to me, especially many of Goffman’s terms and analytical frameworks, which require a certain background in sociology to fully understand. For example, “self-presentation” and “impression management” are core concepts in the book, and they are not just superficial behaviors but deep social mechanisms hidden behind our daily interactions. Some of the analyses in the book, although seemingly simple, require a broader view of the social context and the shaping of personal identities to fully grasp their meaning. For me, although the theory can sometimes feel complex, as I continue to understand the content, I am gradually seeing the close connections between these ideas and real-life situations.

4.Applicability to Social Science Students in the 2020s

Goffman’s analysis of “role-playing” also provides us with a new perspective for observing contemporary workplace culture, online interactions, and social behavior in the context of globalization. As society continues to evolve, the roles we present in different situations have become increasingly complex. In the modern workplace, we not only have to meet the expectations of our supervisors and colleagues but also navigate societal pressures, online personas, and challenges related to self-identity. Goffman’s theory offers us the tools to analyze these intricate interactions.

In today’s digital and information-driven era, individuals’ “front stage” performances on social media have become the norm. Whether it’s showcasing daily life on Instagram or maintaining a professional image on LinkedIn, social media interactions closely resemble the “front stage” behavior described by Goffman.