Sociology imp management

Differentiates personal self from George Herbert Mead's notion of self.
More mature self is one that is under control and manages behavior.
Impression management defined as:
- The alteration of behaviors based on others' perceived reactions.
- Involves manipulating or controlling social interactions to create a desired image.
- Aim: Convey the image of self that aligns with our perception of self.

Impression management reflects our desire for others to see us the way we see ourselves.
Defined as a performance to convince others of our self-identity.
Especially relevant in high-stakes situations (e.g., job interviews).
Job interviews illustrate:
- Aim to create a favorable impression of competence and confidence.
- Requires preparation (rehearsal of answers).
- Example: Answering weaknesses delicately—not stating common clichés like "I'm a perfectionist."
Importance of preparation:
- Recognizing potential interview traps.

Interviews are characterized by a power imbalance (interviewer authority).
An impression must reflect a degree of care (e.g., appropriate dress signals seriousness).
Other examples: first dates, where similar strategic communication occurs to project desired self-image.

Conceptual framework viewing social life as a theater performance.
Key figure: Erving Goffman, inspired by George Herbert Mead's student Irving Gahlke.
- Emphasizes preparation and performance in social interactions.
The metaphor implies:
- Individuals as actors, crafting impressions through scripts (planned interactions).
- Costumes (clothes) define roles in various settings (e.g., interviews as the stage).
Identifies a job interview as a situation governed by deep script adherence and sociocultural norms.

Setting: Interview takes place in an office, serving as the performance stage.
Props create context for the social interaction (business attire, office props).
Role recognition in interactions assists in executing appropriate behaviors.
Goffman's notion: Social interactions occur in “front stage” (performance mode) versus “back stage” (preparation, relaxed stage).
Impact of rehearsal on performance: Review attire and speech points before entering the front stage.

Interaction can be subtle in spaces like subways, described as unfocused interaction.
Mutual glance cues acknowledgment without engagement.
Goffman's unfocused interaction:
- Refers to awareness of each other's presence indicating social acknowledgment without formal communication.
This leads to focused interaction when a reader recognizes an opening conversation prompt.
Example: Asking about a noteworthy outfit.

Successful impression management results in conveying intended identity.
Failure can arise from errors (e.g., unprepared responses show nervousness).
Unintentional signals can counteract intended impressions (nonverbal behavior).
Meaningful interactions require awareness of one’s demeanor (both in public and private contexts).

Definition of civil inattention: Socially appropriate disregard of those around you meant to balance interaction without inappropriately invading personal space.
Example of civil inattention in practice: Brief eye contact and acknowledgment, such as a nod, without prolonged engagement.
Acknowledges how urban living requires balancing personal space norms while maintaining social engagement.

Distinction between front stage (actively performing identity) and back stage (freer, preparation zone).
Importance of these spaces for understanding social dynamics.

A core self may exist but isn’t always permissible to showcase in every context.
Varies based on context, audience, and preconditions of performance (settings).
Self-expression may be governed by roles played and audience expectations—but these roles can shift and interact.
Ultimately fosters discussion around personal truths and social facades in various situations.

Concept of different self-performances impacts interpersonal dynamics.
Authentic self expression versus role-based existence raises questions of identity depth.
Exploration of true self versus performed self provokes inquiry into personal authenticity and social adaptation.