Sociologist Erving Goffman analyzed social interaction as performance, with individuals presenting themselves differently depending on their audience. A teacher might be authoritative in the classroom but deferential to the principal. Goffman called the chosen presentation the 'front stage' self, while the private, unguarded self exists 'backstage.' Critics argue this framework underestimates how much our various presentations genuinely reflect different aspects of a unified self.
The passage suggests that
people behave identically in all social contexts
understanding social behavior may require considering both performance and authenticity
Goffman believed backstage behavior is always inauthentic
teachers never adjust their behavior based on their audience
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Goffman's performance view and critics' authenticity view both offer insights.
- Context clues: Goffman emphasizes performance; critics emphasize how presentations "genuinely reflect" self.
- Meaning: Both performance and authentic self-expression may be happening.
- Verify: The debate between frameworks suggests neither alone captures the full picture.
💡 Strategy: When competing frameworks each capture something important, infer the need for both perspectives.
Choice A is incorrect because the teacher example shows different behavior in different contexts. Choice C is incorrect because Goffman distinguishes front and backstage without calling backstage inauthentic. Choice D is incorrect because the teacher behaves differently with students vs. principal.