The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

By: Erving Goffman

Narrated by: Graham Halstead

Based upon detailed research and observation of social customs in many regions, here is a notable contribution to our understanding of ourselves, using theatrical performance as a framework.

This book explores the realm of human behavior in social situations and the way that we appear to others. Each person in everyday social intercourse presents himself and his activity to others, attempts to guide and control the impressions they form of him, and employs certain techniques in order to sustain his performance, just as an actor presents a character to an audience.

Worth the time investment

A thorough depiction of how people behave in social
settings, from work to events, in order to express and confirm status, affiliation, identity, and other facets of fitting in (or not). I found it a little long and repetitive, but in a way I liked the repetition, because it helped things sink in.

Finally on Audible!!

The best book ever written about Facebook and Instagram and it was published in 1959.

One of the most important (and readable and fun) social science books of the 20th century.

Great job with the production. It makes it easier to follow along with all the examples in this book when you listen to it.

Especially insightful

I’m so glad the publishers took the risk and expense to bring such a valuable book to audio.

A helpful analogy that compliments design work

A cousin to ‘All the world’s a stage’ I found this book helpful and credible. The front stage and back stage analogies are ones I use in design work and could be applied to most fields.

I hate to say it was a little repetitive, but it was, chapter 4 Discrepant Roles and 6 The Art of Impression Management were unnecessary for me.

In the Conclusion there was just a hint of something I wish he elaborated on, when people act a role but forget and can’t seem to find their way back to an authentic self. I wanted more on that.

The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

A very good assessment of behavior that is active in our live regularly but out of most of our keen observation. It is a good psychosocial look at our everyday interaction operating mostly out plain view. I recommend reading the book.