Sociology Notes on Erving Goffman and Microsociology

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on Erving Goffman and microsociology, focusing on social interaction, impression management, and communication.

Microsociology

The study of small-scale, face-to-face interactions.

Civil Inattention

A subtle acknowledgment of others' presence without direct engagement, maintaining respect and personal boundaries.

Impression Management

The process by which people try to control how others see them by adjusting their behavior, appearance, and communication.

Given vs. Given Off

'Given' refers to what we intentionally say or do to control impressions, while 'Given off' are the unintentional cues that reveal real feelings.

Nonverbal Communication

Includes facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and body language that are vital to conveying meaning.

Front Stage vs. Back Stage

Front stage is where people perform formal roles, while back stage is where they can relax and drop formality.

Social Roles

Patterns of behavior expected from an individual in a specific social position, shaped by the actor and the audience.

Audience Segregation

The practice of performing different roles for different audiences to keep parts of life separate.

Digital Communication

The use of emojis, capital letters, and other symbols to replace traditional nonverbal cues in online interactions.

Reality Construction

The idea that reality is built through interactions and shared interpretations among individuals.