Erving Goffman

Erving Goffman was a Canadian sociologist and writer, considered by many as one of the most influential American sociologists of the twentieth century. He is best known for his theories on the social construction of self, dramaturgy, and total institutions. His work explored the ways in which individuals present themselves and interact in everyday life, most notably in his book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life'. Goffman's insights into the social fabric of human behavior have had a profound impact on the field of sociology and beyond.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Presentation Of Self In Everyday Life

    This seminal sociological text examines the ways in which individuals shape their identities through interaction with others in society, likening everyday activities to a theatrical performance. The author argues that people present different "faces" or personas in various social contexts, managing impressions to control how they are perceived by others. Through this lens, the book explores concepts such as the front stage and back stage of personal performance, the use of props and settings, and the collaborative nature of social interactions. The work provides a framework for understanding the intricacies of social life and the subtle art of personal presentation.

    The 1846th Greatest Book of All Time