Sociology 1c. How does the dramaturgical perspective enable our understanding of everyday life? UPSC 2023, 10 Marks
The dramaturgical perspective, developed by Erving Goffman, is a sociological theory that views social interactions as analogous to a theatrical performance. An individual's identity isn't a fixed and autonomous psychological construct; instead, it undergoes continuous transformation through interactions with others.
This article is part of Synopsis IAS Sociology Optional Course for UPSC.
What is Dramaturgical Perspective?
The dramaturgical perspective, developed by Erving Goffman, is a sociological theory that views social interactions as analogous to a theatrical performance.
It shows that individuals engage in impression management and present themselves to others as if they were actors on a stage.
An individual's identity isn't a fixed and autonomous psychological construct; instead, it undergoes continuous transformation through interactions with others.
Role of Dramaturgical Perspective in Our Understanding of Everyday Life
The dramaturgical perspective enables a deeper understanding of social behavior and interaction patterns:
1. Role Playing and Identity Formation: By viewing life as a series of roles and performances, we can better grasp how people construct their identities. Individuals take on different roles in various contexts, and these roles contribute to their overall sense of self.
2. Social Interaction as a Scripted Performance: Everyday interactions follow a kind of script, with socially accepted norms and expectations governing behavior. The dramaturgical perspective reveals how individuals follow these scripts and adapt their performances to different audiences and settings.
3. Social Hierarchies and Power Dynamics: This perspective sheds light on how individuals strategically employ impression management to gain power or maintain their social status. It helps us understand how people use symbols, props, and clothing to signal their social positions.
4. Authenticity and Deception: It prompts us to consider the tension between authenticity and deception in social life. People often wear masks and hide their true selves during front stage performances, raising questions about the authenticity of social interactions.
5. Social Change and Role Transformation: Dramaturgical theory can help us analyze how societal shifts and changing norms impact individuals' performances and roles. As society changes, individuals may need to adapt their scripts and identities accordingly.
6. Micro-Level Understanding: By focusing on individual interactions, the dramaturgical perspective provides a micro-level view of social life, complementing macro-level sociological theories that examine larger societal structures and institutions.
Conclusion
The dramaturgical perspective provides valuable insights into how individuals navigate and construct their identities in everyday life by drawing parallels between social interaction and theatrical performance. It emphasizes the dynamic and adaptive nature of human behavior in various social contexts.