Dramaturgy (sociology)
- For the theatre-related meaning of this word, see dramaturgy.
DRAMATURGY
Dramaturgy is a sociological perspective stemming from Symbolic interactionism. The term was first coined by Erving Goffman as he, among many other sociologist, attempted to define the self. In dramaturgical sociology it is argued that human actions are dependent upon time, place, and audience. In other words,to Goffman, the self is a sense of who one is that is a dramatic effect emerging from the immediate scene being presented. Goffman forms a theatrical metaphore in defining the method in which one human being presents itself to another based on cultural values, norms, and expectations. Performances can have disruptions (actors are aware of such) but most are successful. The goal of this presentation of self, is acceptance from the audience. If the actor succeeds, the audience will view the actor as they want to be viewed. Thus making it an intimate for of communication, highlighting it as a micro-level sociological theory. [1]
FRONT STAGE
Front stage is part of the dramaturgical performance that is consistant and contains generalized ways to explain the situation or role the actor is playing to the audience that observes it.
BACK STAGE
Back stage is where facts suppressed in the front stage or various kinds of informal actions may appear.
DRAMATURGY APPLIED
Research on this is best done through Fieldwork such as Participant observation.
It has been used to depict how social movements communicate power. Robert D. Benford and Scott A. Hunt argued that "social movements can be described as dramas in which protagonists and antagonists compete to affect audiences' interpretations of power relations in a variety of domains." [2]
A useful way of understanding dramaturgy is to think of a waiter or waitress at a restaurant. Their main avenue of concern for him or her is "customer service". Even if a customer is rude, waiters and/or waitresses are expected to be polite - "the customer is always right" - as part of their job responsibilities. That same waiter or waitress speaks differently when going out to their break room. They may complain, mimic and discuss with their fellow peers how irritating and rude the customer is. In this example, the waiter/waitress acts a certain way when dealing with customers and acts a completely different way when with their fellow employees. Goffman referred to this as front stage/ back stage personalities.
Another example of dramaturgy is the case of Dennis Rader, the BTK Strangler. Rader appeared to be a religious family man, a "front stage" performance perhaps. But when not operating under that cover, he was a sadistic sexual killer who horrifically murdered 10 victims - i.e. his "back stage" persona.
Central concepts include stigma, stigmatized signs, "ientity work", deviance disavowed, symptomatic actions, total institution, moral career.
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