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The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

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( 6,440 ratings, 399 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life by Erving Goffman is a seminal work in sociological theory that explores how individuals present themselves in social interactions. It uses the metaphor of theatre to analyse everyday behaviour, suggesting that people perform roles as actors do on stage. This book delves into the nuances of self-presentation and impression management, highlighting the influence of social context on personal identity.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by the ways people craft their identities and interact with others in daily life. It delves into the nuances of human behaviour, exploring how we present ourselves in different social contexts, much like actors on a stage, which can be intriguing if you're interested in understanding social dynamics and personal development.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One of the great works of twentieth-century sociology, new to Penguin Modern Classics.

Acclaimed on first publication and today considered one of the defining works of sociology, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Erving Goffman's extraordinary analysis of the structure of our social interactions.

Blurring the line between workaday life and theatrical performance, Goffman argues that our behaviour with others is defined by how we wish to be perceived, resulting in displays bearing a startling similarity to those of an actor on the stage. 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's insight reveals human character to be not fixed or stable, but liquid and consciously maintained.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life by Erving Goffman is acclaimed for its insightful exploration of the ways individuals present themselves in social interactions. Reviews often highlight its innovative use of theatrical metaphors to analyse social behaviour, contributing significantly to the field of sociology and providing readers with a deeper understanding of everyday social interactions. The book is praised for its detailed and engaging analysis, though some readers may find its academic style challenging.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241547991

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 204g

Pages: 272

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.

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