Teori Dramaturgi: Teori Pencitraan?

Summary

This video explores Erving Goffman's dramaturgical theory, which compares social interactions to a theatrical performance. Goffman, a sociologist, introduces the concept of 'front stage' and 'back stage,' where individuals manage their self-presentation in public and private settings. The theory emphasizes how people, like actors, perform roles and control impressions through settings, verbal and non-verbal actions. Goffman's framework applies to various fields such as communication, politics, and organizational behavior, helping individuals understand the dynamics of social interaction and self-presentation. The theory is particularly useful for research in social sciences, communication, and media studies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Erving Goffman popularized the dramaturgical theory, which is a sociological concept introduced in his book 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' (1959).
• 😀 The dramaturgical approach is based on symbolic interactionism, which assumes that humans create meaning through communication processes.
• 😀 Goffman compares humans to actors who aim to achieve their desires through self-created performances, much like a theatrical play.
• 😀 A successful performance requires preparation, including setting the stage, verbal dialogue, and nonverbal actions.
• 😀 Goffman divides social life into three stages: front stage, middle stage, and backstage.
• 😀 The front stage is where actors (individuals) perform roles to present themselves in a particular way to an audience, often involving formal roles like a politician addressing the public.
• 😀 The middle stage is a preparatory phase, where actors rehearse or get ready for the front stage, ensuring that their performance aligns with their goals.
• 😀 The backstage is where the real self of the actor can emerge. This is a private space where the actor prepares and relaxes, away from the audience's view.
• 😀 Life, according to Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, is like a theater performance, where social interactions are staged and roles are played by various actors.
• 😀 Dramaturgical theory also leads to the concept of impression management, where individuals manage how they present themselves to influence how others perceive them.
• 😀 The theory is applicable to various fields, such as interpersonal communication, political communication, organizational communication, and media studies, helping us understand the way we present ourselves in different social contexts.

Q & A

What is Erving Goffman's dramaturgical theory?

Erving Goffman's dramaturgical theory, introduced in his book *The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life* (1959), views social interactions as theatrical performances. Goffman suggests that individuals are like actors who perform roles in front of an audience, managing their self-presentation through different 'stages' of social life.

What is the main premise of Goffman's dramaturgical theory?

The main premise of Goffman's dramaturgical theory is that life itself is like a play, with individuals performing roles to present themselves in ways that align with social expectations and personal goals. This involves a constant management of impressions in different social contexts.

What are the three stages of social life in Goffman's theory?

Goffman divides social life into three stages: the **front stage** (public interactions), the **middle stage** (preparation for public performance), and the **back stage** (private, authentic self). These stages help illustrate how people present themselves differently in various contexts.

What is the front stage in dramaturgical theory?

The **front stage** refers to the public-facing role that individuals play when they interact with others. It is where people present themselves according to social norms and expectations, using settings, appearances, and behaviors that align with the role they are trying to project.

Can you explain the concept of 'middle stage' in Goffman's theory?

The **middle stage** is a preparatory phase that occurs before an individual performs on the front stage. It's a time for self-preparation, rehearsing, or strategizing in order to successfully meet the expectations of the audience during the front stage performance.

What does the back stage represent in Goffman's dramaturgical theory?

The **back stage** represents the private, hidden side of an individual’s life, away from the audience's view. It is where actors (people) can relax and show their true selves, free from the roles they play in the front stage. This space is where authenticity can emerge.

What is impression management, and how does it relate to dramaturgical theory?

Impression management is the process of controlling or influencing the image that one presents to others. In dramaturgical theory, this concept is central, as individuals actively manage the way they are perceived by adjusting their performance in the front stage to align with societal or personal goals.

Why is consistency important between appearance and behavior on the front stage?

Consistency between appearance and behavior on the front stage is important because it helps build credibility and trust with the audience. If an actor's presentation is mismatched (e.g., a politician's words don't align with their appearance or actions), the audience may perceive the performance as inauthentic or insincere.

How does dramaturgical theory apply to real-life social interactions?

Dramaturgical theory applies to real-life social interactions by highlighting how individuals manage their self-presentation in different settings, such as professional environments, social gatherings, or political contexts. It shows how people adjust their behavior to meet the expectations of various audiences.

What are the ethical implications of Goffman's dramaturgical theory?

The ethical implications of Goffman's dramaturgical theory revolve around the responsibility of managing one's self-presentation in ways that are truthful, transparent, and respectful of others. While managing impressions is a natural part of social interactions, it’s important to be mindful of not manipulating or deceiving others in the process.