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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life summary
Erving Goffman
A classic study of human behavior
18 mins
Brief summary
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life explores the concept of social interaction as a theatrical performance. Goffman illustrates how individuals present themselves strategically, using roles and settings to influence perceptions in everyday encounters.
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The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
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The parts we play
For Goffman, everyday social life is a kind of theater where we are all performers, managing the impressions we give to others. Every interaction becomes a small stage. And every encounter is a performance, in which we present a version of ourselves that fits the situation.
That raises the question: do we believe in the parts we play? Well, at one extreme, some people are “sincere” – they truly believe in the impression they create. At the other, the “cynical” performer has little faith in the role, but plays it convincingly because the audience requires it. For instance, a shop assistant flattering a customer.
Most of us, Goffman suggests, move back and forth between sincerity and cynicism, depending on the context. Over time, however, the line blurs. Our mask – our role – can become second nature, or even the truest version of who we think we are.
Goffman then introduces the concept of the “front” – the expressive equipment we use to define the situation for others. This includes the setting – the physical space – and the personal front, which covers our appearance, clothing, posture, voice, and gestures. Society expects coherence between these elements. When something feels “off,” the performance falters.
Goffman emphasizes “dramatic realization” – the way we infuse our actions with signs that highlight what we want to be noticed. Think of a nurse projecting gentleness, or a sports referee signaling confidence with instant decisions. But this dramatization requires effort. The more energy we spend on appearing competent, the less we may have left for being competent.
Goffman also examines “idealization” – our tendency to present ourselves according to society’s approved values. We often highlight traits that fit social ideals – respectability, kindness, competence. But on occasion, we also downplay our strengths to meet expectations.
For example, women have sometimes underplayed their intelligence to appear more traditionally feminine, allowing men to feel superior. Goffman gives the example of female college students in the 1940s allowing their boyfriends to explain things that they already knew, or to correct their spelling. As one woman commented, “It seems my boyfriend gets a great kick out of it.”
Performances often reflect not who people truly are, but who their audience demands them to be. Behind even the most casual encounter lies a carefully coordinated act. As we’re used to thinking of everyday life as being relatively spontaneous, this is a provocative insight – perhaps even a little unsettling.
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What is The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life about?
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1956) is a classic sociological study. Using the language and imagery of the theater, it examines the intricacies of human behavior in social settings.
Who should read The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life?
- Sociology students
- People interested in the performative nature of identity
- Anyone who wants a better understanding of human behavior
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