Question

Throughout the last few decades of the twentieth century, Goffman became one of the most _____________ sociologists of his generation.

Answer 1

Erving Goffman was a highly influential sociologist noted for his dramaturgical analysis. He likened social interactions to theater, where people perform various roles. Despite criticisms, his work remains a pivotal part of sociological research and theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

Throughout the last few decades of the twentieth century, Erving Goffman became one of the most influential sociologists of his generation. Goffman's dramaturgical analysis utilized the theater as a metaphor for social interaction, where he explored the concept of individuals as actors on a stage, performing roles influenced by cultural "scripts." His work, notably "The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" (Goffman 1958), revolutionized the understanding of social behavior, analyzing how individuals manage impressions to present themselves in various situations.

The research methodologies Goffman used, including dramaturgy, were sometimes criticized for a lack of objectivity due to their narrow focus on symbolic interaction. However, proponents value this approach for its depth in understanding personal and social identities. Goffman's theories continued to be a significant part of modern sociological theory and research.