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A Simmelian reading of Goffman

Smith, GWH

Authors

GWH Smith



Contributors

D Jary
Supervisor

Abstract

The sociologies of Georg Sirrurel (1858-1918) arid Erving Goffman
(1922-1982) are compared and contrasted in order to present a
Sirnrnelian interpretation of Goffnian. It is proposed that this is
one appropriate way of lendinq coherence to Goffman's work and
dealing with some of its interpretive difficulties. The first
two chapters trace the development of the work of Sirr!mel and
Goffman and address the issue of its systernaticity. Chapter
three considers certain substantive affinities and
correspondences. The formal method employed by Simrr'el and
Goffman is discussed in chapter four. Methodoloqical auestions
are also pursued in chapter five which reviews aspects of
Simirel's and Goffman's rhetoric. Chapter six compares their
views on the nature of the individual. A case study applying
their analytical apparatuses to aspects of game show htnrour is
appended. Throughout, the aim is to demonstrate the relevance of
one of socioloqy's major classical thinkers for an understanding
of a leading contemporary.

Citation

Smith, G. A Simmelian reading of Goffman. (Thesis). University of Salford

Thesis Type Thesis
Deposit Date Sep 23, 2011
Publicly Available Date Sep 23, 2011
Award Date Jan 1, 1989

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