Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgical Theory. The following are explanations and examples of social phenomena in everyday life that we may often encounter.
The existing social life is part of the play. This explanation of Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgy Theory will explain how we understand the play.
The following are explanations and examples of social phenomena in everyday life that we may often encounter.
Get to know Erving Goffman, this is his explanation about dramaturgy
Erving Goffman, is a character who is familiar to some circles. Especially for those who belong to academics, students, or students. Erving Goffman was born in Alberta, Canada June 11, 1992.
He was a major Canadian-American sociologist who played an important role in the development of Modern American sociology.
An academic who graduated from the University of Chicago, he is known as a member of the Chicago school and as a theorist of symbolic interactionism. He made a theory that is dramaturgy.
Dramaturgy theory is widely used for various research purposes, scientific papers, and learning materials.
Dramaturgy comes from English, namely “dramaturgy”, from the word “drama” which means the art or technique of drama in the form of theatre.
According to Goffman (1959), dramaturgy is a play of life presented by humans. Dramatic situations that seem to occur on stage as illustrations to describe individuals and their interactions in everyday life.
So it can be concluded that dramatugy is a view of social life as a form of storyline for drama performances in a stage.
(Melati, 8: 2016) explains that dramaturgy is a theory that can interpret the daily life of humans.
Humans are like playing a show on stage. The stage consists of a front stage and a back stage.
In the front stage there are settings and personal fronts, which can then be divided into appearance and style.”
Examples of Understanding Dramaturgy Theory in Everyday Life
Now our discussion this time, how dramaturgy theory is very relevant and closely related to our daily lives.
I’ll just give an example with a student, his name is Farhan. Farhan is a student, he also participates in several organizational activities. When you want to go to campus, canteen, library.
Or other campus facilities, he must adjust himself as best he can, dress like a student, bring books, pens, and laptops. The attitude that he formed is called dramaturgy.
Farhan as an individual plays his role as a student, he goes to campus with books, pens, and laptops to support his studies.
Besides that, he embellished himself by wearing student-like clothes (with his fashion sense).
Farhan as an individual student is he who is characterized above when interacting and dealing with the community, especially with the campus community. This social life is the object of the front stage or front stage.
When Farhan is at home, rented, or in a boarding house, he is a different individual or is rarely highlighted. Such a situation is called a back stage or (behind the stage / screen). Like a theater stage, event studio, or shooting location.
The actors who are on the back stage, of course, do different things when on the front stage, they can relax and be themselves when they are behind the screen.
Likewise Farhan, in the back stage condition Farhan did things he didn’t do when he was on campus, it could be a habit that is not pleasing to the general public.
So don’t be surprised if you see a different friend when in a formal environment such as an office, campus, or school with him when in a non-formal environment such as a home, cafe, or other place.
Consciously or not, he is applying dramaturgy theory. Maybe, subconsciously you also apply it, hehehehe.
What are the Benefits of Learning to Understand Dramaturgy Theory
This theory is very useful for us to be able to position ourselves according to the existing situation.
We become wiser and understand how to look when we meet important people such as officials, work clients, lecturers, or our own friends. In a formal situation, we must understand how the policies and values and norms exist in that situation.
For example, when you are attending a webinar held by a government institution. From the committee’s policy, it is stated in it, namely “invited guests, committee.
And participants are prohibited from eating, drinking, and smoking during the event, “so automatically you who get a position as a participant must of course heed this order.
When you violate it, you are considered unethical and labeled impolite. If this continues, it is feared that it will become a habit.
There is nothing wrong with a habit or a habit, the benchmark for which is whether it is a good standard or a bad one.
Therefore, we must be able to position ourselves as best we can, don’t make it a habit when we are on the back stage (house, rented house, boarding house, hangout) brought to the front stage (workplace, campus, and school).
On the other hand, dramaturgy theory conveys a message that it is not too easy to judge people’s appearance. Humans still have two sides, nice personality or bad personality.
The good and bad of an individual is seen by the public, it depends on himself and depends on the values and norms of his environment. Life is indeed drama, acting, and personal branding.
The effect given later will be felt again, as the saying goes “what you sow, that’s what you reap.”
So always consider if you want to appear in front of the audience with the thoughts you have, Are these thoughts or ideologies in accordance with your conscience?
Are you able, if what you do becomes a problem in the public? And when do you want to start?
Questions like that often cross our minds, I personally do too. When you are ready, please go ahead.
Do not procrastinate too long due to insecurity and validation of people. The point is, don’t forget to always read books, listen to criticism and advice, and look at your surroundings.
That way when applying dramaturgy theory, we can become more realistic, critical, and unselfish people.
Reference sources :
(Melati, 2016)Melati, MR (2016). ANALYSIS OF ERVING GOFFMAN’S DRAMATURGY CONCEPT IN PATTERNS OF USE OF PUBLIC SPACE BY STUDENTS IN THE CITY OF SURAKARTA. Thesis, III(2), 2016.
https://cubic.id/journals/dramaturgy-theory, accessed 27 June 2021