Question

Question 1)
Describe in detail 3 examples of "front stage behavior" according to Goffman.

Question 2)
Describe in detail 3 examples of "back stage behavior" according to Goffman.

Answer 1

• According to Goffman we are all actors who play different characters on the real world stage just how actors perform on stage doing theatre.We play different roles throughout our daily lives and display different kinds of behavior depending on where we are and whom we are interacting with.
• Front stage behaviour is something we engage in when we know that people are watching us.It indicates the internalized norms and expectations for behaviour shaped by setting,physical appearance and the particular role one plays in certain settings.
• For example,when I am standing in a waiting line I need to show patience till my turn comes since I cannot skip the line as people are watching me.
• When I go to a fancy fine dining restaurant I would dress up formally,talk to the servers politely and softly,showing courtesy,not making noise while eating,using the cutlery properly etc. since the setting is formal and ettiquetes are required as so many people are watching and enjoying their time as well.If I go to my local burger joint,my behaviour would be different,I will have to raise my voice to give my order as its too noisy and crowded,I can go in my tracks and noone would judge.
• Also,while talking to my supervisors in my workplace meeting,I would dress up formally and exchange pleasantaries with them and talk to them respectfully and listening to them attentively,since they are my bosses and that is what is expected from an employee.
• When we engage in back stage behavior, we are free of the expectations and norms that dictate front stage behavior.We are often more relaxed and comfortable when back stage and let our guards down since this behaviour is private and no one is looking at us or expecting us to behave in a certain way.
• For example,I can sit at my home wearing anything I want and nobody would judge me.I dont need to dress up in a certain way according to some setting or expectations of people.
• I can talk to my friends the way I want ,abuse them in fun,scream and shout with them and go mad,in my private setting.
• I dont have to smile or shake hands in a formal way with my close friends and family.In private, we behave in ways that we would never in public.