Final answer:
Erving Goffman's concept of a residual domain in dramaturgy refers to the components of an individual's social performance that do not align with the explicitly defined 'front' stage or 'back' stage behaviors but still contribute to the overall impression management strategy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of the residual domain that is neither front nor back, as discussed by sociologist Erving Goffman, pertains to his theory of dramaturgy. In Goffman's theory of dramaturgy, life is compared to a theatrical performance, where individuals use impression management to craft the identity they present to others in various social situations. The idea of a residual domain refers to aspects of an individual's performance that do not neatly fit into the 'front' stage or 'back' stage areas; it is the gray area that is less defined and not directly observable as part of the individual's intentional performance before an audience.
In Goffman's framework, the 'front' stage is where the individual performs and adheres to societal norms and expectations, much like an actor performing for an audience, which can vary from context to context. The 'back' stage is where the individual can relax and be themselves away from the scrutiny of an audience. The residual domain, then, can be seen as encompassing those behaviors and actions that may occur outside of these defined regions, perhaps even subconsciously or inadvertently, contributing to the overall impression given to others but not explicitly part of the front or back stage performance.