Reflections on Erving Goffman's Concept of Self and Assumption of Human Nature

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present a reflection on Erving Goffman's concept of self and human nature through his most effective studies; The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1956) and On Face-Work: An Analysis of Ritual Elements in Social Interaction (1967). Firstly, Goffman's basic theoretical frame is demonstrated and interrelations of the concepts are explained. Second, Goffman's intellectual development is discussed according to his positioning with Freud, Cooley and Mead as precursors and Debord, Baudrillard and Jameson as successors. Finally, Goffman's footprint on the literature and his stimulating perspective on social psychological identity research is exemplify.