Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy is a sociological perspective stemming from the work of Erving Goffman. In dramaturgical sociology it is argued that human actions are dependent upon time, place, and audience.
People play social roles (such as the impersonator, the con artist, the shoplifter). These roles are dependent upon the situation (the stage and props available). Social interaction becomes drama (courtrooms, public hearings).
A useful way of understanding dramaturgy is to think of a waiter or waitress at a restaurant. Their main avenue of concern for him or her is "customer service". Even if a customer is rude, waiters and/or waitresses are expected to be polite - "the customer is always right" - as part of their job responsibilties. That same waiter or waitress speaks differently when going out to their break room. They may complain, mimic and discuss with their fellow peers how irritating and rude the customer is. In this example, the waiter/waitress acts a certain way when dealing with customers and acts a completely different way when with their fellow employees. Goffman referred to this as front stage/ back stage personalities.
Another example of dramaturgy is the case of Dennis Rader - the BTK Strangler. Dennis Rader appeared to be a religious family man,a "front stage" performance perhaps. But when not operating under that cover, he was a sadistic sexual killer who horrifically murdered 10 victims - i.e. his "back stage" persona.
Central concepts: stigma, stigmatized signs, "identity work", deviance disavowed, symptomatic actions, total institution, moral career
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