The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life: Erving Goffman (Penguin Modern Classics) - Softcover

Goffman, Erving

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0241547997 ISBN 13: 9780241547991

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2022

Synopsis

One of the defining works of twentieth-century sociology: a revelatory analysis of how we present ourselves to others

'The self, then, as a performed character, is not an organic thing ... it is a dramatic effect'

How do we communicate who we are to other people? This landmark work by one of the twentieth century's most influential sociologists argues that our behaviour in social situations is defined by how we wish to be perceived - resulting in displays startlingly similar to those of actors in a theatrical performance. From the houses and clothes that we use as 'fixed props' to the 'backstage' of the solitude in which our personas are rehearsed and relaxed, Goffman reveals human character not to be fixed, but fluid and consciously maintained.

'Never less than brilliant' New Statesman

About this title

About the Author

Erving Goffman (1922-1982) was one of the most influential sociologists of the twentieth century. He was Benjamin Franklin Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania.

From the Back Cover

One of the defining works of twentieth-century sociology: a revelatory analysis of how we present ourselves to others. 'The self, then, as a performed character, is not an organic thing ... it is a dramatic effect'

How do we communicate who we are to other people? This landmark work by one of the twentieth century's most influential sociologists argues that our behaviour in social situations is defined by how we wish to be perceived - resulting in displays startlingly similar to those of actors in a theatrical performance. From the houses and clothes that we use as 'fixed props' to the 'backstage' of the solitude in which our personas are rehearsed and relaxed, Goffman reveals human character not to be fixed, but fluid and consciously maintained.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2022
• ISBN 10: 0241547997
• ISBN 13: 9780241547991
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272