Summary of Goffman Impression Management

00:00:00 - 00:25:00

In the video, Erving Goffman discusses the concept of impression management. This is the act of creating a desired impression on others. Goffman divides impression management into two categories: expressions and signs. Expression refers to the use of verbal language and body language to communicate an intended impression. Signs are expressions that are not controlled, intentional, and usually unintentional. Goffman explains that a front is any action or appearance that aims to create a desired impression.

• 00:00:00 This 1-paragraph summary of the video discusses the three main theories in sociology: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Each theory has its own perspective on how social order is maintained, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Goffman's theory of impression management is a symbolic interactionist concept that focuses on how everyday behavior is shaped by the interpretation of reality that is negotiated between individuals.
• 00:05:00 Goffman's theory of impression management is based on the idea that life is a stage, and that our reality is all one big performance. We constantly try to communicate our ideas about who we are to other people, and for selfish or collaborative reasons.
• 00:10:00 Goffman's theory of impression management is based on the idea that humans are always trying to manage the impressions they make on others, within context of settings. Goffman's stage analogy refers to the social world, where the front stage is the interaction and the backstage is who we are when no one's looking.
• 00:15:00 In this video, sociologist and psychologist Erving Goffman discusses the concept of impression management, which refers to the act of creating a desired impression on others. Goffman divides impression management into two categories: expressions and signs. Expression refers to the use of verbal language and body language to communicate an intended impression. Signs are expressions that are not controlled, intentional, and usually unintentional. Goffman explains that a front is any action or appearance that aims to create a desired impression.
• 00:20:00 The video discusses the concept of a working consensus, which is the set of rules that govern an individual's interactions with other people. Goffman argues that most social interactions are governed by a working consensus, which is a dance that we learn as we transition into adulthood. When we are in an interaction that we are enjoying, we are more likely to use defensive practices to ensure that the interaction can continue.
• 00:25:00 The narrator talks about how sometimes, in order to maintain a good impression, people will do things like nod in agreement when they don't know what's being said. Goffman would call this a defensive practice.