Social interaction can be a really interesting topic to analyze. Throughout recent history many theorists have taken approaches to trying to explain why and how interactions take place among society. One question that some look at is how do interactions work among different situations? This is just one element that Erving Goffman tries to explain among his theory of social interaction. This paper will examine some of his concepts and try to incorporate them along the lines of a typical first date that many individuals have experienced, including myself. .
Goffman looked at an interaction among individuals as somewhat of a presentation of one's self. He developed this notion because he believed the whole interaction process was set up as a performance. A performance meaning that individuals use verbal and visual contact and gestures. By doing this you show signs of how others should act and cooperate during the interaction. This is what Goffman analyzes as people creating a "definition of the situation." (Turner 394) .
Goffman uses this whole interaction process as like a dramatic atmosphere. As people are giving these performances, or gestures and mannerisms, they are presenting themselves. My first date with my present girlfriend started off very smoothly. Even though we had known each other already, there was this state of nervousness for myself before the date even started. As I showed up to her apartment my performance was already starting, for I greeted her with a hug. This was a sign or gesture that produced this definition of the situation. It allowed for her to get an idea of how the date might go and a presentation of myself. .
Through an interaction Goffman explains that individuals take on roles and the creation of these front and back stages. The front stage, as expected relates to one individual performing before the audience as the audience takes the back stage and listens.