Look at Goffman’s two key concepts of the presentation of self and impression management on page 246. Question 1: Politicians increasingly seem to use these techniques. How do they do it, and why do they feel they need to do so? Find examples to illustrate your answer. Question 2: Imagine two people with very different careers. One is a teacher or civil servant, the other is a rock singer or … [Read more...]

Theories that focus on the actions and interactions of individuals rather than on the wider social structure. Gestures/body language, clothing, spoken language, ‘props’ such as equipment, furniture etc. Structural theories see society as something objective, existing outside individuals and shaping or constraining them. Action theories see society as the creation of its members through … [Read more...]