Erving Goffman’s Enduring Legacy in Social Interaction Studies

Abstract

Erving Goffman (1922-1982) significantly shaped modern sociology through his contributions to microsociology, particularly his theories of symbolic interactionism and dramaturgical analysis. This article examines Goffman’s theoretical frameworks, with a particular emphasis on his dramaturgical analysis, which likens social interactions to theatrical performances, and his frame analysis, which investigates how individuals construct and interpret social realities. The research is based on a qualitative analysis and key scholarly interpretations (comparative, textual, and conceptual). Drawing from the Chicago School of Sociology, Goffman’s work integrates insights from Max Weber and George Herbert Mead to analyze how individuals navigate social roles, stigmas, and institutional structures.