The Dramaturgical Approach

Key Concepts

• Front Stage: Social performance; how we present ourselves in social settings.
• Back Stage: Private area; where we can be ourselves without performing.
• Impression Management: Controlling how others see us; integral to performing on the front stage.

Impression Management

• Essential for being viewed positively by others.
• Multiple front stages require different “scripts” or roles to play.

Example Scenarios

• Pretending to Like Baseball: To gain friends.
• Captain of a Football Team: Role includes motivating teammates and leading to victory.
• Hospital Volunteer: Role includes comforting and assisting patients; very different from football captain.
• Student Seeking Recommendation: Acting interested in professor’s research to gain a letter of recommendation for grad school.
• Asking Out a Crush: Nervous but putting on his best face; traditional behaviors like bringing flowers and paying for dinner.

Back Stage Activities

• Private Space: Few people get to see this side; for close individuals.
• Preparation: Where impression management is refined—trying on outfits, putting on makeup, etc.

Takeaways

• Multiple Front Stages: Each social role has its own script.
• Single Back Stage: A private area for self-reflection and preparation.
• Training Area: The back stage can be viewed as a dojo for impression management.