The Presentation of Self in Contemporary Social Life

The Presentation of Self in Contemporary Social Life covers the popular theories of Erving Goffman and shows modern applications of dramaturgical analysis in a wide range of social contexts. After a general introduction to the concepts of impression management, author David Shulman's provides many examples of how Goffman's ideas can lend powerful insights into familiar arenas of social life today, including business and the workplace, popular culture, the entertainment industry, and the digital world. Key Features, The book provides an overview of Goffman's dramaturgical approach and many of its fundamental concepts: frames, stigma, definition of the situation, front and back stages, role distance, communication out of character, interaction rituals etc. Chapters focus on the application and contemporary relevance of this theoretical perspective to different areas of modern life. One entire chapter is devoted to the internet, society's "newest stage." Specific applications of dramaturgy include: How business and marketers apply theatrical techniques to appeal to and persuade consumers to buy, How digital technologies have produces new forms of interaction and communication, such as catfishing, texting, online dating, and trolling, Fantasy and role-playing activities in everyday life, Impression management in workplaces. Book jacket.